“The country’s food systems transformation is anchored on modernization, industrialization, value chain-based consolidation, and professionalization through a whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approach,” Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar stated in his remarks at the UN Food Systems Summit. At the summit, Secretary Dar also reiterated Philippine support for the goals of the United Nations Food Systems Summit to launch bold actions to transform food systems and deliver progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Summit was convened virtually on 23 September 2021 during the High-Level week of the 76th session of the General Assembly. As National Convenor of the Food Systems Dialogue, Secretary Dar said that the national government will support local government units to ensure food security within their jurisdictions.
Secretary Dar also announced that the Philippines is joining Coalitions of Actions that were formed during the Pre-Summit and Summit processes, namely the Coalitions of Action on Zero Hunger, School Meals, Healthy Diets, Family Farming and Agroecology. By joining these coalitions, the Philippines aims to collaborate and harness resources for the promotion of the transformational changes of the country’s food systems.
Delivering the opening remarks during the Summit, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that “Food is life. But in countries, communities and households in every corner of the world, this essential need, this human right is going unfulfilled.” He added that “Food is hope,” as food systems can and must play a leading role to realize the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Secretary-General Guterres also highlighted the need for food systems that support the health and well-being of people, protect our planet and that can support prosperity of businesses, farmers and food workers.
Dr. Agnes Kalibata, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General to the Food Systems Summit, speaking during the People’s Plenary, stressed the need to continue the momentum to transform food systems. She urged governments to commit to ending hunger and malnutrition in all its forms. She also called on businesses to commit to paying a living wage and to healthy food in their value chains and encouraged everyone to commit to a healthier planet.
“There is nothing about us without us” is the slogan shared by Dr. Kalibata and that was highlighted by the youth participants throughout the process.
The United Nations Food Systems Summit was convened virtually by Secretary-General Guterres during the High-Level Week of the 76th session of the General Assembly (UNGA76) as part of the Decade of Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The Summit was aimed at generating action at all levels of the food system, including national and local governments, private sector, civil society, and stakeholders to transform the way the world produces and consumes food.
For more information:
Philippines Department of Agriculture
www.da.gov.ph