12 October 2015: Organized under the theme, ‘Making a Difference in Food Security and Nutrition,’ the 42nd session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS 42), an intergovernmental body that serves as a forum for the review and follow-up of food security and nutrition policies, has commenced in Rome, Italy.

In an opening statement, FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva noted the importance of partnerships and social protection to ensure that the current generation becomes the first zero-hunger generation. CFS Chair Gerda Verburg (the Netherlands) stressed that “every day lost in the fight against hunger and malnutrition costs 20,000 lives, and the dignity of many more,” and noted that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which explicitly recognizes CFS’ role, calls for a holistic and inclusive approach and shared responsibility.

The meeting is expected to address, inter alia: CFS and the sustainable development challenge; the 2015 version of the report on the State of Food Insecurity in the World; water for food security and nutrition, including the report and recommendations of the High Level Panel of Experts on Water for Food Security and Nutrition; policy convergence, including a policy round-table on water for food security and nutrition; coordination and linkages between CFS and other food security and nutrition stakeholders; and ongoing workstreams, including the Global Strategic Framework for Food Security and Nutrition, and the multi-year programme of work and priorities for 2016-2017.

Participants are also expected to approve the Framework for Action for Food Security and Nutrition in Protracted Crises, which is a voluntary agreement seeking to ensure that humanitarian and development efforts are incorporated into responses to protracted crises. The Framework lends special focus to the nutritional needs of infants and the most vulnerable.

Also marking the opening of the session, ‘Youth for Food Security and Nutrition Idea Incubator,’ aimed to empower youth to invest and engage in the global food system. At the evening event, ten pre-selected youth from around the world pitched their business models to a panel of experts in youth food system entrepreneurship.

CFS 42 will convene from 12-15 October 2015 at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) in Rome, Italy. [IISD RS Coverage of CFS 42] [UN Press Release] [FAO Press Release]