The UN has published the UN Secretary-General’s synthesis of developments since the 2023 UN Food Systems Summit+2 Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+2). The report, available in an advanced unedited version, highlights initiatives and partnerships that are emerging as critical drivers of accelerated food systems transformation. It calls for “championing future actions” to achieve goals of the next Stocktaking Moment in 2025.

The Secretary-General’s report (E/HLPF/2024/6) titled, ‘From Summits to Systemic Change: Progress in Food Systems Transformation Since UNFSS+2,’ outlines the key takeaways from UNFSS+2, including the UN Secretary General’s Call to Action for Accelerated Food Systems Transformation. According to the report, the Call to Action represents “the collective ambition, determination and vision among the international community to meet our goals on zero hunger, food security and nutrition.”

Emphasizing the role food systems play in accelerating the SDGs, the report highlights that food systems transformation is one of the six transitions the Secretary-General has identified for enabling the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient, and innovative high-impact solutions to reach the Goals by 2030. It calls attention to the recognition food systems have received in multilateral processes and developments as a critical action area to overcome crises and accelerate progress towards sustainable development, including:

• The SDG Summit, which stressed the need to dramatically improve food security and transform towards sustainable food systems;
• The Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action, endorsed by nearly 160 countries following the UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE); and
• The Convergence Initiative on Food Systems and Climate that integrates food systems and climate action at global, regional, and country levels.

The report updates on the 2024 regional meetings and side events, convened in the margins of the regional fora on sustainable development (RFSDs), which sought to “maintain the visibility of food systems transformation as an accelerator for implementing the SDGs.” It also highlights advancements in integrated support from the UN system and “a maturing ecosystem of support,” including the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, the Joint SDG Fund Window on Food Systems, and Food Systems Coalitions established after the 2021 UNFSS to assist governments in implementing their visions for sustainable food systems.

The report identifies priorities towards UNFSS+4 in 2025, including: addressing climate, biodiversity, nutrition, hunger, and poverty issues through transformed food systems; and allowing the assessment of progress on food systems transformation at UNFSS+4 to focus on measuring impact.

Issued on 30 April 2024, the report will inform deliberations during the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in July. The theme of HLPF 2024 is ‘Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: The effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions.’ SDG 2 (zero hunger) is one of the five Goals undergoing in-depth review this year. The other SDGs under review are SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals), which is reviewed annually. [Publication: Advanced Unedited Version: From Summits to Systemic Change: Progress in Food Systems Transformation Since UNFSS+2]