Nairobi, Kenya – 8 May 2025
The Africa Region UNFSS+4 Preparatory Meeting.
As the world accelerates efforts to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations Food Systems Summit +4 (UNFSS+4) regional preparatory sessions have become critical platforms for advancing equitable, climate-smart, and sustainable food systems. Coordinated by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub alongside UN Regional Economic Commissions, these meetings are setting the stage for the global summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 27–29 July 2025.
From Vision to Action: The Road to 2030
The push to transform global food systems gained momentum with the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit, a turning point that reshaped how countries tackle hunger, climate crises, ecological decline, and social disparities through systemic approaches. The 2023 Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+2) in Rome served as a key milestone to assess national progress and renew commitments.
Now, as UNFSS+4 approaches—just five years before the SDG deadline—the international community is reconvening to evaluate advancements, reinforce accountability, and accelerate impactful change.
Goals of the UNFSS+4 Regional Consultations
From February to May 2025, five regional gatherings are taking place to shape tailored strategies for the global summit. These discussions focus on:
- Tracking Progress: Nations are sharing updates on their national food systems strategies, highlighting breakthroughs, obstacles, and tangible outcomes.
- Enhancing Transparency: With growing calls for accountability, the meetings provide a forum to review commitments from governments and stakeholders, ensuring governance remains inclusive and participatory.
- Mobilizing Resources: Securing financial support from public and private sectors is essential. The sessions align with the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action, advocating for investments that foster fairness, sustainability, and climate resilience.
Central Themes Across Regions
Each consultation follows a structured agenda while allowing for region-specific insights and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Key highlights include:
Day 1: Assessing Implementation
National leaders present case studies on progress, offering replicable solutions and addressing systemic barriers.
Day 2: Linking Food Systems and Climate Goals
Debates center on aligning food security with climate strategies, particularly through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and adaptation plans. With COP30 and the Paris Agreement approaching, integrating food and climate policies is a pressing priority.
Day 3: Collaborative Solutions and Breakthroughs
Youth advocates, Indigenous representatives, scientists, businesses, and development experts explore innovative governance, research-driven policies, and scalable solutions.
Africa’s Moment: Nairobi Drives Change
Africa’s preparatory meeting, hosted in Nairobi from 5–7 May 2025, highlighted the continent’s distinct challenges and potential. Despite rich natural resources, many African nations face food insecurity, debt crises, and climate threats. Key takeaways included:
- Empowering Small-Scale Farmers: Scaling up agroecological methods and community-led innovations to enhance productivity and climate resilience.
- Debt Restructuring and Funding Models: Calling for global financial reforms to free up resources for food systems investments instead of debt repayment.
- Amplifying Marginalized Voices: Ensuring youth and Indigenous communities play a central role in shaping food policies.
Voices from the Summit
The Nairobi meeting featured powerful calls to action from global and regional leaders:
Khaled Eltaweel, UN Food Systems Coordination Hub:
“The continent’s journey through the CAADP framework—from Maputo to Malabo, and Kampala—embodies a clear and ambitious food systems vision.”
Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Kenya:
“Food is the foundation of every thriving society. Let us move beyond rhetorical commitments to actionable, measurable, and feasible solutions.”
Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations:
“Africa must have a strong presence and a unified voice. Let’s come together with a clear, ambitious message that delivers real impact.”
Cosmas Milton Obote Ochieng, Director, Climate Finance & Natural Resources Division, UNECA:
“Africa is five years from 2030 and off-track on SDGs for food security and nutrition, and Malabo targets.”
Estherine Fotabong, Director of Programme Implementation and Coordination, AUDA-NEPAD:
“The Kampala Declaration is not merely a statement of intent – it is a continental covenant.”
Stephen Jackson, UN Resident Coordinator, Kenya:
“Africa holds the key. With two-thirds of the world’s remaining uncultivated arable land, the continent can power a sustainable future.”
Why These Discussions Are Crucial
Per the FAO’s 2024 findings, over 600 million people suffer from hunger worldwide, while food systems contribute a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. These regional meetings address interconnected crises by:
- Harmonizing Policies: Aligning food strategies with SDGs, climate frameworks, and biodiversity goals.
- Fair Financing: Connecting governments, investors, and innovators to fund inclusive solutions.
- Cross-Sector Collaboration: Forming new alliances to leverage technology, expertise, and capital for systemic change.
Looking Ahead to UNFSS+4 and Global Impact
Insights from these regional talks will shape the UNFSS+4 Summit and influence major events like COP30 and the Financing for Development Forum. By positioning food systems at the core of sustainability, climate action, and economic equity, UNFSS+4 could mark a decisive shift toward a just global future.
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