Food systems transformation in the Arab region

Following the first two regional preparatory meetings on food systems transformation, held in March 2023 and March 2024, as well as the UNFSS+2 Stocktaking Moment in Rome in July 2023, and the regional forum on accelerating food systems transformation, and in preparation for the second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4), the United Nations Food Systems Coordination Hub and ESCWA, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization Regional Office for Near East and North Africa (FAO-RNE), the United Nations World Food Programm (WFP), and the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD), are organizing a third preparatory meeting on food systems transformation in the Arab region.

The meeting is held on the sidelines of the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development (AFSD) 2025. It spans two days and includes plenary sessions, interactive discussions, and peer-learning opportunities to ensure a holistic and inclusive approach. 

Programme overview:

• Documenting progress: presentations and discussion between food systems national convenors on progress made in food systems transformation, lessons learned and challenges that remain.
• Strengthening accountability: exploring mutual accountability and gaps in food systems transformation with a focus on examining the roles, commitments, and contributions of both State and non-State actors in driving food systems transformation.
• Unlocking investments: dialogue to discuss investment opportunities and platforms that promote scalable, sustainable solutions in line with the Secretary-General Call to Action to ensure access to finance and investments for food systems transformation.
• Converging food systems transformation, climate action and other key agendas: presentations of the Convergence Initiative and other relevant work that build upon the call to align the food systems transformation pathways and relevant processes with climate action.
• Flagship initiatives and stakeholder contributions to the Secretary-General Call to Action: discussions on private sector engagement, governance, financing, and science for food systems transformation.