NEW YORK, USA – A coalition of nearly 40 global leaders from the realms of politics, business, and social initiatives, including the director general of an international agricultural organization, has pledged to accelerate the transformation of agrifood systems in response to the escalating demands of a growing population while safeguarding natural resources.
The vibrant city of New York served as the backdrop for a crucial meeting focused on food systems, attended by CEOs from major food corporations and leaders of influential international organizations. This gathering aimed to explore strategies for supporting national and global initiatives to strengthen resilient agrifood systems.
The board facilitates strategic guidance and collaboration between public and private sectors, translating alignment into actionable steps for developing inclusive, sustainable, and resilient agrifood systems.
This significant event, titled Sustainable Development Impact Meetings 2024, is organized within a week-long framework addressing economic development, inclusion, and environmental issues aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda.
These discussions are occurring alongside the United Nations General Assembly, which gathers world leaders, and Climate Week, a vital platform for dialogue on achieving the Paris Agreement objectives.
Collaboration Strategies
Prominent figures at the meeting included the founder of the World Economic Forum, the executive director of the World Food Programme, and CEOs from leading food corporations, all coming together to foster actionable collaboration in agrifood systems.
The segment focused on improving collaboration and trust in scaling up transformation projects was led by the president of an international agricultural development fund, emphasizing a commitment to mobilizing resources against rural poverty.
Notable participants included executives from renowned environmental organizations and agricultural coalitions, alongside industry representatives, all dedicated to renewing commitment to the global goals through united efforts.
As the 2030 deadline approaches, the urgency for stakeholders to reaffirm their ambitions for collective action is paramount. The meeting reviewed the status of public-private partnerships, discussed ways to enhance collaboration, and identified gaps in implementation. A significant focus was placed on empowering women farmers, a topic poised for discussion at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference.
“The need for expedited transformations in agrifood systems is clear, necessitating collective action that yields tangible results. Public-private collaboration remains crucial, and the private sector has once again demonstrated commitment to sustainable development strategies,” stated a prominent leader.
The importance of scaling up efforts to support cooperatives and digital extension strategies that bridge technology gaps for smallholder farmers was also underscored. Furthermore, it was highlighted that sustained progress towards enhanced quality of life for rural populations hinges on the continuous participation of the private sector, with science playing a critical role in shaping effective public policies.
