Deputy UN chief urges bold action to transform food systems at global summit in Addis Ababa

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed on Tuesday called on countries to double down on efforts to transform food systems, describing them as “one of the greatest solutions” to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Delivering closing remarks at the UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, co-hosted by Ethiopia and Italy, Ms. Mohammed praised the growing momentum behind food systems transformation.

But she also warned that with just five years left to 2030, “hunger and malnutrition persist. Climate shocks, conflict, debt, and inequality are widening the cracks in our systems.”

“Too often food systems are seen as part of our challenges,” she said. “When in fact, they can be one of the greatest solutions to deliver for people, planet, peace and prosperity.”

A global process for transformation

The UN Food Systems Summit process was launched in 2021 “in the midst of a global pandemic” to catalyse national and global action to make food systems more inclusive, resilient and sustainable. 

The 2025 stocktake brought together over 3,000 participants from governments, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, youth, and the private sector to assess progress and renew commitments.

To date, more than 130 countries have developed National Pathways for food systems transformation, supported by UN agencies and development partners.

Moving the UNFSS process forward

In her address, Ms. Mohammed highlighted several areas of progress and called for urgent, coordinated action:

• Food systems as climate solutions: “Food and agriculture are now part of the climate plans of 168 countries,” she said, noting their potential to reduce emissions and build resilience.
• School meals as a strategic investment: Over 170 countries are implementing school meal programmes. These are not just meals – they are investments in children, our farmers, and the future.
• Cities driving innovation: Urban centres are leading efforts to reduce food waste and strengthen local supply chains. Cities are showing what innovation looks like on the ground.
• Inclusion is essential:  Ms. Mohammed called for inclusion of youth, Indigenous Peoples, women, and marginalized communities. “These are powerful commitments to transform food systems for people and the planet that you have helped inspire."
• Financing must match ambition: She urged donors and development banks to align investments with national pathways. 

“As we conclude this Stocktake, we must acknowledge that we met in the face of challenges that test our moral values and threaten the future sustainability of our planet, underscoring the urgency of our work together.”