The UN Environment Management Group (EMG) convened a Nexus Dialogue on Sustainable Food Systems on 12 March 2019, during the fourth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-4) in Nairobi, to explore how integrated approaches to food production, consumption and distribution could advance food security, environmental sustainability and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The dialogue examined the interconnected challenges facing global food systems, including food insecurity and malnutrition, deforestation, climate change, resource-intensive agricultural practices, and food loss and waste. Discussions highlighted the need to move towards more sustainable and resilient food systems that protect natural resources while ensuring access to nutritious and affordable food for all.
Participants emphasized the importance of integrated policymaking, stronger collaboration across the UN system and engagement with stakeholders throughout food value chains. Key priorities included promoting sustainable agricultural practices, reducing food loss and waste, encouraging healthy and sustainable diets, supporting smallholder farmers and women, and strengthening connections between urban and rural food systems.
The dialogue resulted in an outcome statement calling for coordinated action to accelerate the transition towards sustainable food systems. It highlighted the role of the EMG in fostering UN system-wide cooperation, supporting countries in adopting integrated food systems approaches, and building strategic partnerships to advance food security, environmental protection and sustainable development.