Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
On behalf of the Secretary-General, it is my distinct honor to mark the pre-opening of the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment.

Two years ago, at the 2021 Food Systems Summit, we witnessed a historic moment of global unity.

Global partners joined forces to drive transformation and deliver positive change.

National Governments, stakeholders, and the UN System came together and committed to harnessing the power of food systems transformation for people through the acceleration of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Today, as we commence the Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment, we reaffirm our dedication to accountability, collaboration, and collective action at scale for the SDGs.

I extend my gratitude to the Government of Italy for their continued leadership in hosting this important event.

The collaboration with the Rome-based UN Agencies, the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, and the broader UN system – together with countries and food systems partners – exemplifies the spirit of partnership needed to achieve our shared goals.

While progress has been made since the last Summit, we are very aware of the challenges that persist. In 2022, 258 million people in 58 countries and territories faced acute hunger – including 376 000 people at the highest level of acute food insecurity.

The message is stark. Our current food systems have fallen short. They are not delivering the food and nutrition that all people need. Nor are they supporting equitable and decent jobs and opportunities.

Now is the moment to change this, and create food systems that can reach all people with the healthy and nutritious food they need.

Meanwhile, instead of being a source of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, food systems can make the shift to a low-carbon, sustainable and resilient sector that supports people and planet alike.  

Investing in food systems transitions is not only a moral imperative.

It is a significant economic opportunity with multiple benefits for society and the environment.

These benefits are universal. From nutrition, health and well-being, to decent job-creation and opportunities for workers young and old, to the conservation of nature and its gifts, to prosperity at the local and national levels.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

As we embark upon the Food Systems Summit +2, let us bear in mind that our actions today will shape the future for generations to come.

I urge each and every one of you to seize this moment to engage in meaningful dialogue, share your experiences, and commit to concrete actions and bold investments in these systems, which support each and every one of us.

May this Stocktaking Moment be a turning point in our collective journey towards a healthy, sustainable and resilient future, and a milestone on the path to achieving the SDGs.  

Thank you.