A feature of the visit was a public lecture at the Institute for International and European Affairs where David reflected on his current experiences with catalysing shifts in systems at a time of accelerating climate change, deepening inequalities, intense geopolitical tensions and social fragility.  He set out why he remains inspired and optimistic by ongoing efforts to achieve equity, sustainability and resilience through people-centered systems transformation.  

David shared his hopes for coming years, focused on local and national priorities with regard to climate action and sustainable development, and what these might mean for multilateral processes, for national governments, and for different groups of stakeholders. He noted that Ireland is already playing a leading role and could perhaps do even more – through sharing experiences more widely, as a trusted partner on the multilateral stage.  

During the visit, he also found time to sit down for an interview with Claire Byrne, on RTÉ Radio 1 (listen here) with whom he had many interactions with throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They delved into a discussion about food systems, reflected on the COVID-19 pandemic response as well as more personal aspects about David’s life and achievements alongside the current events of the day.

The team returned to Geneva stimulated by the conversations, but more importantly by the people they met and their dedication to domestic and international food systems transformation. The team were also particularly encouraged by the broad appreciation of dialogue-based approaches when responding to complex systemic challenges such as food systems transformation.

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Watch the public lecture:

Listen to the public lecture on SoundCloud:

It can no longer be a case of ‘business as usual’ when it comes to food production.

A “comment” by Agnes Kalibata and David Nabarro, featured in The Telegraph on 22 December 2023. Click here to view the original article.

CREDIT: boezie/E+

The interactions between food and climate had surfaced around the UN’s Food Systems Summit in 2021, where it became clear that climate change threatens agricultural productivity, disrupts food supply chains, reduces resilience, erodes the livelihoods of millions of farmers and food workers, and threatens food and nutrition security (especially for women and children).  The impact of these interactions on people has been exacerbated by the impacts of Covid-19, increased levels of conflict, and increases in the cost-of-living.

At the Cop28 annual climate meeting, in Dubai, the governments of 154 countries endorsed the groundbreaking Cop28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action.  They committed to address both food system vulnerabilities to climate change and the impacts of food systems on climate and nature. This is an important first, and a sign of the concerns being felt everywhere.

In Europe the concerns are felt in higher food prices, and strained household budgets as a result of income poverty (which threatens more than 20 per cent of the population). In Sub-Saharan Africa, smallholder farmers whose communities depend on agriculture are bearing the brunt of record high temperatures and extreme weather events.

In addition, modern food systems drive 90 per cent of deforestation and 60 per cent of biodiversity loss, and account for 70 per cent of the world’s use of fresh water.  They are also reliant on fossil fuels which are used for production of pesticides; synthetic fertilisers and plastics; and in processing, transport, distribution and cooking.  Overall, food systems contribute over one third of global greenhouse gas emissions.

A global collaboration

Cop28 has provided a remarkable opportunity for accelerating the transformation of food systems in ways that align with intentions for climate action, protecting nature, improving nutrition and safeguarding rural livelihoods.

Everyone has a role: rethinking and innovating on how food is produced, stored, packed, processed, traded, distributed, marketed, consumed and disposed of.  At Cop28, it was evident that farmers seek to be partners in the transformation — which should be informed by evidence and experience, and involve marginalised and vulnerable groups. Traditional agricultural approaches, which have produced food in harmony with nature for millennia, should also inform this process.

Improved weather forecasting is one example of a technology available today, with the potential to benefit 260-305 million farmers in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Multiple studies have shown that farmers across these regions adjust their behavior and investment decisions based on these highly specific forecasts, and the payoff is clear. In Benin, for example, farmers who received SMS forecasts earned $104-$356 more per year than farmers who did not.

Implementing transformation is not easy and will require a significant financial commitment. At Cop28, we saw some progress. Representatives of the half billion small-scale farmers and fisherfolk, many from the communities most vulnerable to climate impacts, pointed out during the Cop that they need support as they struggle to adapt to a warming world. Notably, several financial pledges were announced while others are in the making.

Government representatives described their plans to incorporate action on climate and biodiversity within efforts to transform national food and water systems in ways that contribute to food and nutrition security for all and encourage the reliance of farmer livelihoods. Representatives of international organisations described how they will intensify collaboration to ensure intensified support for these national efforts. New multi-stakeholder partnerships for research, innovation and collective are being developed.

Government involvement in transforming food systems is crucial since governments provide the enabling conditions for producers and consumers to make healthier and more sustainable food choices. School meal programs, for example, feed over 400 million children worldwide, providing a huge, predictable market for food. Large-scale public programs such as these offer a unique opportunity for governments to procure food that is nutritious and sustainably sourced, impacting food systems and improving diets on a national scale.

The potential prize is great. We are witnessing innovative solutions that help address food and nutrition insecurity while contributing to action on climate and biodiversity crises, but these solutions need to be adopted and deployed globally. This must be done in close collaboration with farmers, businesses, civil society, local authorities, national governments, and international processes. It is anticipated that the UAE will encourage a constellation of convergent support during 2024, the year of its Cop presidency.

Left as they are, food systems will continue to accelerate climate breakdown and biodiversity decline, fail to nourish people and leave them exposed to future shocks. With concerted attention they can provide food that is healthy, affordable and nutritious, help halt and reverse biodiversity collapse, and insulate humanity from future climate shocks that are inevitable for the coming decades.

For humanity, everywhere, usual food business is no longer an option.

Agnes Kalibata is President of AGRA and former UN Special Envoy for the UN Food Systems Summit; David Nabarro is Strategic Director of 4SD Foundation and adviser to Cop28.

A prosperous Africa has a lot to offer Europe. Stable food production and food security are the basic conditions for prosperity for our southern neighbors. An attractive, resilient economy in Africa is also essential for Europe.

Africa has a plethora of assets: half of the population is under 25 years old, the continent has a quarter of global farmland and its gigantic rainforests act as the world’s ‘green lung’. The continent has traditionally maintained good relations in food production and trade with many European countries and universities.

African science is flourishing and several countries have acquired robust research capacities, also in the agricultural domain. For instance, institutions such as Kenya’s ICIPE (insect research) and transnational research bodies such as the CGIAR lead the way in sustainable crop protection and biological control. Their activities not only benefit Africa, but are also pertinent for the envisioned pesticide phasedown within Europe’s Green Deal.

Securing a thriving agricultural sector and a stable food supply in Africa is not easy. The big cities beckon and exert a relentless attraction for young, dynamic workers. The global climate crisis and the increase (food) price volatility and production shortfalls all highlight how vital a close cooperation with Africa is for sustainable growth, stability, peace and security. Europe can play a pioneering role, provided that African countries are at the helm.

The days of charitable funding are long gone but are still reflected in the attitudes of many European countries. Partly because of this, Europe has wasted influence and goodwill on the continent. Recent military coups signal how Africa’s youth are rejecting colonialism. Colonial thinking is firmly rejected by all ages and ‘handouts’ are no longer appropriate.

Thanks to education, technological advancements and social media, today’s Africans know better. They also prefer to define their own future. A new paradigm is emerging in which African leadership, mutual respect, equality and shared perspectives must form the basis of international cooperation.According to a recent interview with the President of the African Development Bank; “the highway to wealth is through global value chains”. “One needs to add value to everything you have, from oil to metal ore and food.” However, Africa would be hampered in its sustainable development, if too much emphasis is placed on the next outflow of primary raw materials.

In contrast, value-added manufacturing can absorb young workers and lift the continent out of poverty. In close cooperation with the Netherlands and the EU, Africa can invest strategically in food, agriculture and growth-promoting chains/sectors.

Although starting points differ, important lessons can be drawn from Asian countries such as Vietnam, Bangladesh and others. Over a span of decades, these countries lifted large shares of their population out of poverty and managed to achieve steady economic growth. Much can be gained through South-South cooperation and Europe could play a pivotal role in orchestrating such knowledge exchange or mutually beneficial ‘cross-pollination’.

Europe must also realize that its relationship with the countries in Africa has changed dramatically. For example, the African Union recently became a member of the G20. It is taking on the role within the multipolar and multilateral world order that it envisioned when the organization was founded in 1999 (Sirte Declaration).

The advisory letter ‘Urgency of a new Dutch Africa Strategy’ from the Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV) can – given geopolitical changes – serve as a starting point to bring about a paradigm shift in the attitude of the Netherlands and other countries in Europe. Yet, these are not easy messages.

Other positive signals could be sent. For instance, Europe can point out even more emphatically to African countries that they have the right to end food imports from Europe at ‘dumped prices’. During this consultation, agreements can also be made about the use of natural resources and investments in the processing of natural raw materials. This contributes to ironing out bilateral issues regarding mutual access to the EU market and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

It takes two to tango. The mutual interests of both Africa and Europe are best served by developing agriculture. Doing so can end hunger and poverty and provide much needed stimulus for sustainable economic growth. If Europe does not step to the fore and assume its role, it might lose more than a mere supplier of cheap raw materials.

About this 4SD Reflection

Participants of the 4SD Foundation Open Online Briefings are invited to share their reflections on how they are navigating complexities from their own perspectives. The views and opinions expressed in these reflections do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of 4SD as an organization or it’s associated personnel. Any content provided by authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

I first visited the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, in 2019 to curate dialogues that centred around the unique food systems challenges in Canada. There are complex issues to be tackled when fostering food systems that are beneficial for both people and the planet.

For me, being involved in these dialogues and collaborating with the Arrell Food Institute, led by the charismatic Evan Fraser, has been a transformative experience.  So I was delighted to hear, earlier this year, that I had been nominated to receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, from the University of Guelph (UoG). I received this degree on Tuesday, 13^th June 2023: it was an unforgettable experience and I am privileged to have been awarded the degree.  It was the high point in a three-day visit to Canada.

Monday, June 12^th

On Monday I was invited by the Arrell Food Institute to curate a dialogue to shape a new project that is exploring the value of innovations in agriculture.  Could innovations foster high productivity and nature-positive farming systems that enable both people and animals to have better standards of living?

The dialogue brought together experienced practitioners from different parts of Canadian food systems, including producers of food for different value chains, advocates of agroecology, proponents of biodiversity in farming, and representatives from agribusinesses.  It was part of an ongoing series of dialogues designed to encourage the exploration of food systems from diverse perspectives, to investigate the potential benefits and trade-offs of emerging technologies within different food systems, and to assess what is needed to allow for the full potential of technologies to support a more sustainable food system.  The dialogues enabled me to appreciate the potential of targeted investments in novel farming systems, especially within farms managed by women from marginalised communities. This reaffirmed, for me, the significance and value of inclusive approaches to food systems dialogues.

Evan Fraser and David Nabarro during filming. Photo credit: Arrell Food Institute.

Later that day I was interviewed by Evan Fraser for a film about food systems and their transformation. As part of the film, I had an engaging interaction with two senior doctoral students from the University of Guelph, who asked me some hard questions: Emily Duncan, who is a geographer doing research on farmers’ use of technology for sustainable intensification, and Deus Mugabe, who is a Plant Scientist focusing on plant breeding, genetics, and international development. They asked about whether the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit prioritized collective over individual action, and were keenly interested in the potential for integrating systems approaches into scientific education.

In the evening Alice Tamblyn Raine, who is Director of Operations at the Arrell Food Institute, jointly with her twin sons Theo and Thomas, hosted me together with approximately 30 faculty members and students from all over the globe. I enjoyed learning about their different projects, interests, and aspirations.  They want to contribute to just, sustainable, and equitable food systems that emit fewer greenhouse gases and are resilient in the face of climate change.  It was an inspiring and stimulating evening, setting the stage for my graduation the following day.

Tuesday, June 13^th

David Nabarro and Chancellor Mary Anne Chambers during the graduation ceremony. Photo credit: Grant W. Martin Photography.

The graduation ceremony at the University of Guelph on Tuesday involved several hundred women and men.  I sensed the grandeur of the occasion as I donned the iconic red robe, and met up with University Chancellor Mary Anne Chambers and University President (and Vice-Chancellor) Charlotte Yates.  Chancellor Chambers enthusiastically shared with me the essence of Guelph University’s values, and how both systems thinking and interdisciplinary approaches come naturally to Guelph students and faculty.

Then it was time for me to receive my degree and address the graduating students. I am always apprehensive when giving talks to large groups like this and my nerves were especially active this day. My speech was an opportunity to share my views about the professional skills that are essential for navigating the uncertainties of the future. First and foremost, I underscored the importance of welcoming complexity, and maintaining an exceptional curiosity that drives us to explore, learn, listen, and seek inspiration from the ideas of others. I highlighted the transformative potential of connecting with diverse individuals, as it often leads to the discovery of innovative approaches. I suggested that there really is no alternative to operating collectively and collaborating with others when trying to make things better for all. Then I drew inspiration from the motto of the Guelph Athletics Teams – the Gryphons – and emphasised the importance of caring: the most important characteristic of all.

The graduation ceremony was a joyful and wholehearted affair. Each graduate ascended to the stage to be adorned with an academic hood and be captured in a forever photograph. Witnessing their radiant smiles, I couldn’t help but reflect on the immense amount of hard work and dedication they had invested throughout their academic journeys. It became evident that behind each smile lay a profound sense of accomplishment, reflecting the culmination of countless hours of effort. Throughout the ceremony, I watched as President Yates privately offered a few words of encouragement and support to each student as they graduated.  It was a nurturing environment, in which I sensed each graduate was determined to make a meaningful difference: it fostered a sense of belonging with everyone seeking to make a positive impact.

(From left) Evan Fraser, President Charlotte Yates, David Nabarro, Anne Arrell, Tony Arrell, Senator Robert Black Photo credit: Arrell Food Institute.

Subsequently, President Yates hosted a reception for the guests at the ceremony. I couldn’t help but admire her genuine concern for the health and well-being of all her students and faculty. I was honoured to be alongside the esteemed Senator Robert Black – with his impressive focus on sustainable agriculture and commitment to completing Canada’s soil survey.  I met with Tony and Anne Arrell, who are passionate champions for food security and sustainable food systems.  They are the benefactors of the pioneering Arrell Food Institute. Their tireless efforts exemplify the values of the university.  Also at the reception was Guelph-based multi-media artist Christine de Vuono whose work celebrates people’s needs for beloved care and lived beauty.  Evan Fraser, leader of the Arrell Food Institute, was as warm and welcoming as ever.  All these great people left a lasting impression on me: they are powerful and enriching change-makers.

Later on Tuesday, I was interviewed by members of the UK Science and Innovation Network from the British Consulate in Toronto. The interview was conducted by Kathryn Chen, the Head of Science, Innovation and Policy, who was supported by Lucy Whichelo, Media and Public Affairs Officer: they went into the story of my life, the significance of my degree, and work I am doing, at Imperial College, on the impact of climate change on people’s health and wellbeing.  Kathryn described her experiences when working with First Nations communities whose lifestyles are being upended by the impact of changing weather patterns.  I realized that some of these communities are close to Toronto and directly affected by the devastating forest fires that are burning across the country. As we unravelled the links between climate change and food systems, we realized the urgent need to face up to their meaning and implications.

Wednesday, June 14^th

On Wednesday I joined a seminar convened by the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security in downtown Toronto on ways to help Canadian people tackle food insecurity and alleviate associated health burdens.  The programme was well organized by the Centre’s staff: my role was to be the facilitator and I found this to be truly captivating.  The focus was on the potential for prescribing food in healthcare settings to reduce the impacts of low energy and nutrient intake on people’s health.  The meeting explored options for integrating food prescriptions into federal, provincial, and local health policies.

To ignite the discussion we heard from Jennifer Reynolds, the Co-Executive Director of a group called Nourish.  She combines humility with courage: her passionate advocacy for universal food security as a moral imperative in Canada was awe-inspiring.  Another starting panellist was Dr Andrew Boozary, the Executive Director of the Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine at the University Health Network. As a primary care practitioner, he was unequivocal about the need to include the option to prescribe food as a component of health care when treating patients who are food insecure.  He explained why it is important to tune in to the social and economic determinants of health within Canada. We then had a set of 5 simultaneous facilitated dialogues on issues that need to be resolved if food prescribing is to be expanded. These harnessed the collective energy and ideas of the participants and used techniques with which we are familiar in the 4SD Foundation.  It was a constructive and collaborative atmosphere that allowed for meaningful progress in the field of social prescribing.

Big thanks …. 

A lunch meeting between (from left) Alice Tamblyn Raine, David Nabarro, Erin Doherty, Evan Fraser and Janice Leboeuf. Photo credit: Janice Leboeuf

I am super grateful to everyone involved in supporting me on this experience.  Special thanks go to colleagues from Guelph, particularly President Charlotte Yates and Chancellor Mary Anne Chambers, as well as Evan Fraser, Alice Tamblyn Raine, Erin Doherty and all the dedicated staff and students from the Arrell Food Institute.  The Agri-tech dialogue on Monday 12th June showed great promise.  Special gratitude to Erin Doherty who was my guide and support while I was in Guelph.

I am also particularly grateful to Lynda Kuhn, Sarah Stern and Merryn Maynard of the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security, as well as all the participants in the convening on Food Prescriptions. The meticulous organisation at the event and the Centre’s warm hospitality made my visit a truly memorable and impactful experience.  Most of all I thank Faculty and Students at the University of Guelph for such a warm and powerful welcome.  I very much hope to stay connected to and collaborate with all of these amazing changemakers and their networks….

This collaboration enables us at 4SD Foundation to build on our extensive experience of accompanying countries in the design of dialogues and accompanying countries in the steering of national multisectoral, multistakeholder and multilevel efforts towards transformative outcomes.

The UN Food Systems Coordination Hub

Led by Stefanos Fotiou with the support of an Oversight Steering Group, the Food Systems Coordination Hub’s mission is to serve countries through systemic, country-driven, customized support in translating their commitments into effective actions to reach sustainable food systems by 2030, leveraging the wider UN system’s capacities.

The 2023 Stocktaking Moment

The 2023 Stocktaking Moment (STM) will take place in Rome 24-26 July 2023, and will be a critical milestone to assess preliminary progress nearly two years post Summit. The event plays a key role in sustaining the momentum for equitable resilient sustainable food systems in countries and globally, as well as to emphasize Sustainable Food Systems’ contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Preparations for the 2023 Stocktaking Moment

The quality and inclusiveness of national preparations towards the STM, including consultations, progress reviews in relation to national pathways, sharing of lessons learned, achievements, and challenges, will directly impact the overall quality and success of the STM and its outcomes, setting the direction for the next biennium 2023-2025.

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Image: Stefanos Fotiou, Agnes Kalibata, David Nabarro and Florence Lasbennes in a tweet by Agnes Kalibata celebrating 112 countries committed to transforming food systems through national pathways. Source: Twitter

For more information about the Food Systems Coordination Hub and the 2023 Stocktaking Moment, visit https://www.unfoodsystemshub.org/en