Local governments are paving the way towards sustainable global food systems

The global food systems are facing increasing challenges and are deemed unsustainable. Because of the interconnectedness between our food systems and their impact on people, the planet, and prosperity, the world is not progressing adequately to fulfil its commitments to the SDGs.

Numerous cities worldwide are contemplating how to lead the transformation of their local food systems and play a crucial role in shifting towards a more sustainable global food system. This side event provides a platform for mayors and diplomats to discuss the following topics:

• Supporting the development of sustainable urban food system policies;
• Incorporating urban expertise in the formulation of regional, national, and international food system policies;
• Facilitating dialogue across all levels of government

This is an official side event of the Forum of Mayors 2023. It serves as an avenue for governments at all levels to engage in dialogue and collectively work towards a more sustainable food system within their respective territories. The event is co-organized by the City of Ghent, the Permanent Mission of Belgium to the UNOG, and the Global Cities Hub (previously Geneva Cities Hub).

Speakers

Welcome by H.E. Mr. Marc Pecsteen de Buytswerve, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Belgium to the United Nations in Geneva

Key-note speech by Mathias De Clercq, Mayor of Ghent, Belgium

• Dr. Christophe Golay, Senior Researcher at the Geneva Academy, co-author of the Right to Food Manifesto adopted in the City and Canton of Geneva
• Olena Ovchynnikova, Technical Officer, Office of Sustainable Development Goals, FAO
• Kadir Juhar Ibrahim, Mayor of Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
• Liliana Annovazzi-Jakab, Chief, UNECE/FAO Forestry and Timber Section, Responsible for UNECE’s Food in Cities work, Forests, Land and Housing Division

Moredated by Kamelia Kemileva, Co-Director, Global Cities Hub

Registration

Click here to join the meeting