From 24-26 July 2023, 4SD Foundation’s Directors and members of the team attended the United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment in Rome (UNFSS+2). The event was hosted by Italy, in collaboration with the Rome-based UN Agencies (FAO, IFAD, WFP), the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and the wider UN system.
Click here to learn about UNFSS+2 including programme, documents and available recordings.
The Q&A below with 4SD’s Directors gives an insight into the evolution of food systems transformation from their perspectives and where they hope to see food systems progress in coming years.
How would you describe the changes in global sensemaking around the complex subject of food systems over the past decade?
David Nabarro
Over the past ten years, much of the focus in the world of food has been on “food security.” This means ensuring that everyone can easily get good-quality food whenever they need it. But that’s just one way to think about food. Lately, things have changed. Many more people have come to realize that food is important for more reasons than just making sure we’re not hungry.
Read more Those working on food related issues are now considering whether the food has the right nutrients, if it’s good for the environment, whether it’s produced in a way that’s kind to the environment, and how it affects women and different groups of people. This shift in thinking is quite significant. Seeing food as part of a system that connects people to the environment and the whole planet is a change that has been happening for about ten years. How you see food systems depends on your role – are you a farmer, someone concerned about water, or maybe someone who thinks a lot about kids’ nutrition? Much of the sensemaking that is happening involves being more comfortable and confident that its ok for people to see food systems in their own way. That each different points of view are valid and valuable. This shift is not something everyone has caught onto at the same time. The United Nations Food Systems Summit in 2021 and what followed has helped significantly. Embracing the different ways people are making sense of their food systems has been really important in shaping how people approach food systems issues today. Show less
Florence Lasbennes
I found it interesting that the distinguished high-level panel of experts on food security and nutrition envisions a revisitation of the concept of food security. This involves adding to the four dimensions of food security, namely availability, access, utilisation and stability while also introducing elements of agency and sustainability. I really appreciate how the conventional definition is being enriched through ongoing discussions, contributing to a more robust understanding.
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In the same vein, noteworthy developments have taken place during United Nations gatherings centered around food. Increasingly, the discussions encompass food as a matter with political dimensions. It’s important to note that referring to something as political isn’t necessarily negative; it’s an inherent part of life and society, tied to people’s experiences.
During certain sessions at the UNFSS+2 stocktaking moment, I was particularly interested in hearing speakers delve into the politics associated with transforming food systems. Even with the best experts and most advanced technical solutions, navigating and negotiating the space for implementation of food related activities across various sectors and involving diverse stakeholders is a complex task. This expansion of the discussion of food systems transformation to incorporate the political aspects is genuinely heartening, highlighting a collective intent to address the intricate challenges and opportunities inherent in reshaping our food systems.
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How do you perceive the trajectory of global sensemaking on food systems?
David Nabarro
Because everyone has their own unique perspective on food systems, understanding, collectively making sense of food systems is an ongoing process. It requires not only interpreting your own view of the system, but also trying to understand how others perceive it. The true power of this sensemaking comes to light when a consistent pattern starts to emerge. This happens when groups of people share a similar understanding of the system.
Read more Once we recognize this pattern and have a clear idea of the system’s nature, it becomes much simpler to collaborate. Sustainable development practitioners can then assist these groups in working with this shared understanding and advocating for necessary systems shifts. On food systems globally, I am seeing people increasingly making shifts based on what they collectively believe is best for themselves, their communities, and, importantly, future generations. And I am especially inspired to see there’s a growing focus on sustainability, equity, and resilience, especially among National Convenors of food systems transformation. Show less
Florence Lasbennes
I see this trajectory evolving in three ways:
- Universality: The idea of understanding and adapting food systems universally is gaining acceptance worldwide. It’s not limited to specific types of countries – both developed and developing nations are involved. This universal change is a collective effort where every country makes sense of their own and their collective situations and evolves together and I am motivated to see this trend is growing stronger.
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- Learning Among Peers: Decision makers are actively sharing their strategies and political approaches with each other. It’s like learning from each other’s experiences. This isn’t just about farmers or livestock keepers, but also about peers from various countries connecting. Global events are creating opportunities for such interactions. For instance, at the UNFSS+2 Stocktaking Moment, I observed convenors discuss achievements and challenges, share insights and techniques, especially on ways in which they and establish links with different ministries.
- Changing Role of Experts: The role of experts (e.g. technical subject matter experts) is shifting. Instead of providing direct answers, experts are now prompting questions. In the recent sessions I attended at the UNFSS+2 stocktaking moment, there was a noticeable change. Experts are now asking questions, which spark discussion and practitioners (e.g. National Convenors) are venturing into various ways of addressing those questions. I certainly hope this shift continues in this direction for the next decade.
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Do national priorities influence global sense-making, or does the collective global understanding guide countries in defining their priorities?
David Nabarro
In reality, things are never solely one way or the other. It’s a continuous interplay, happening both within individual countries and between nations and international efforts. What we focus on throughout our work at 4SD Foundation, is finding the equilibrium between the broader global perspective and the specific national priorities.
Read more While it’s often emphasised that the national context should take precedence, in practice, global initiatives often hold more sway. What we’re observing through the FSS process and Stocktaking is a growing importance of national dynamics. A greater number of participants are understanding this, leading to a distinct shift in the way gatherings take place. These interactions are much more engaging and, in a way, more humble, as the leaders of global initiatives acknowledge that local and national actions are vital. There’s a different atmosphere. I commend the organizers of global events focused on food for increasingly providing opportunities where those guiding national processes are acknowledged as central figures in the transformation of food systems. Show less
Florence Lasbennes
Feedback loops exist in all systems, but what’s crucial is that these loops should interact and support each other. From my interactions on food systems transformation, I’m also witnessing a growing occurrence of local oscillation – I’m hearing ministers and National Convenors discussing the feedback loops they establish with the local level.
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Using systems terminology, I would describe this as a fractal pattern where the strategies and feedback mechanisms that are effective at a global level can be scaled up and applied locally in many more places, while still maintaining their effectiveness and coherence. This concept encourages cross-scale learning and adaptation, fostering a holistic and sustainable approach to improving food systems.
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Can you share any memorable viewpoints from Convenors that enriched discussions at the UNFSS+2?
David Nabarro
Each convenor shared their role in guiding different groups through the journey between contrasting perspectives and tensions they bring. It’s clear that every interaction with a convenor highlights the skills they employ for this navigation. These skills are evident whether they’re operating in high or low income nations (which have very different contexts – economically and beyond).
Read more The significant aspect of this stocktake was that it focused on the complex and carefully navigated journeys as well as on the ultimate outcomes. The emphasis on process marks a change in ways in which food is approached – it is now being treated, more and more, as a systems issue. Show less
Florence Lasbennes
During the empowering convenors session, the majority – around 90% or even more – of convenors originated from the agricultural sector. They were primarily from agriculture-related fields, occasionally touching upon food security. However, one individual stood out: a representative from the Ministry of Health in Mexico.
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They provided a distinctive viewpoint, not the usual one, and these health insights were valued by those from Ministries of Agriculture. Overall, despite differences between all Convenors, they all recognized the challenges of their roles, from diverse perspectives, and shared a strong sense of camaraderie.
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What are your hopes for convenor leadership and global collaboration to ensure that UNFSS+2 follow up reflects a rich tapestry of perspectives and solutions?
David Nabarro
Being a convenor is no easy task. It is a systems-leader role. We know that people who work as systems leaders often feel isolated. They experience moments of uncertainty, and are sometimes subjected to critiques. Leaders value someone by their side who accompanies them – offering support if they stumble, feel attacked, or lose confidence.
Read more For this kind of systems change work having a significant number of adept accompanists is crucial. The convening function needs to be understood. Convenors do not seek the spotlight nor do they seek to control. Their aim is to catalyse the process and to enable change. The web of connections between convenors is also important: it is a source of confidence and inspiration and will play a pivotal role in the future. It is a form of peer-to-peer mentoring. What I’ve noticed with Convenors, most recently in Rome, is there care they take to seek out mentors and maintaining relationships with them, eventually becoming mentors themselves. This is a dynamic they cultivate among each other. Show less
Florence Lasbennes
I’m hopeful that the UN will increasingly acknowledge the significance of food systems transformation convenors in promoting this process. I also ponder whether governments should eventually recognize this role. It’s distinct from that of a minister – more than just coordinating, convenors act as navigators, negotiators, and mediators. They possess a clear sense of direction, shaped by input from numerous stakeholders and varied perspectives. Having these individuals acknowledged and appreciated is essential.
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