Dear Co-workers,
The Cycle of Conferences is placing a focus, beginning today, on the Food Systems Summit, UN HQ New York, 23 September 2021.
This first ever Food Systems Summit is being convened at the request of the UN Secretary General António Guterres, after conversations with the joint leadership of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the World Food Programme (WFP). It seeks to energize and accelerate humanity's collective journey to eliminate hunger, boost nutrition, create more inclusive and healthier food systems and safeguard the health of the Earth.
According to the UN, the term “food system” refers to the constellation of activities involved in producing, processing, transporting and consuming food. As such, the health of our food systems profoundly affects the health of our bodies, as well as the health of our environment, our economies and our cultures. When they function well, food systems have the power to bring us together as families, communities and nations.
Recognising the systemic interconnectedness of food "from farm to fork" raises profound issues regarding the inter-relationships between the kingdoms of nature. Religions and faith traditions are involved too, as food is both a symbol of spiritual sustenance, and a physical element in many sacred rituals and opportunities for communal sharing. Reimagining our relationship to food across every dimension, from the spiritual to the material, could profoundly transform society, helping to realise many of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Our lighted support of the Food Systems Summit begins now, and continues until the 23rd of September.
Headquarters Group
Cycle of Conferences
