A Word from the Director

Dear food systems colleagues and partners,

Addis Ababa became the global center of food systems action last week, as the UNFSS+4 Stocktake gathered over 3,500 people to drive transformation forward. I am deeply grateful to the Governments of Ethiopia and Italy for co-hosting this milestone event, and to all the governments, partners, and organizations whose active engagement made it a success. Together, we have achieved significant progress since 2021: 130 countries have developed national pathways for food systems transformation, including 63% now with implementation plans; 62% have embedded food systems into national climate, biodiversity, and development plans; 169 nations are delivering school meal programmes; and International Financial Institutions have exceeded their $15 billion target, disbursing $17.8 billion to support low- and middle-income countries. These milestones show that food systems are not simply problems to solve – they are engines of opportunity for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Still, as the UN Secretary-General’s new Call to Action reminds us, much more remains to be done. He has urged us to step up delivery in complex settings, deepen policy dialogue, scale up finance and investment, integrate equity and resilience, responsibly harness science and technology, and foster intergenerational collaboration. I leave Addis Ababa inspired by the solidarity and solutions we witnessed, but also deeply aware of the urgency ahead. The UN Food Systems Coordination Hub will continue to walk alongside countries and partners to translate this momentum into lasting, people-centered change – nourishing communities, protecting our planet, and advancing peace and prosperity for all.

Finally, I wish to honor our dear friend Sir David Nabarro, whose passing marks the loss of one of the most respected and influential voices in the global effort to end hunger and build equitable food systems. David’s tireless commitment, wisdom, and humanity will continue to guide and inspire our work.

Best regards,
Stefanos Fotiou
Director, UN Food Systems Coordination Hub

Watch the highlights from the UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake

Facts and Figures

High-level Remarks

Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations

QU Dongyu, Director General at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP)

Giorgia Meloni, President of the Council of Ministers, Republic of Italy

Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations

Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

The Second United Nations Food Systems Summit +4, co-hosted by Ethiopia and Italy

In the Press

UN News
Deputy UN chief urges bold action to transform food systems at global summit in Addis Ababa.

EBC News
Ethiopia Hosts UNFSS+4: Driving Global Action on Food Systems. Interview with Lena Savelli, Deputy Director of the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub.

Devex
Op-ed by Stefanos Fotiou, Director of the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, and Francine Picard, Co-founder and Director of Partnerships at the Shamba Centre for Food & Climate.