UN deputy chief: Strong food systems can deliver progress for everyone, everywhere

This article is published in association with United Nations.

In a series of meetings in Nairobi, Kenya, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed spearheaded discussions on fortifying global food systems and advancing sustainable development, setting the stage for the upcoming fourth UN Food Systems Summit.

Ms. Mohammed’ s high-level meetings, which took place between 22 and 25 February, aimed at addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time: the transformation of global food systems.

These discussions are a precursor to the much-anticipated UN Food Systems Summit +4 (UNFSS+4), scheduled for July 28-30, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and co-hosted by the governments of Ethiopia and Italy.

Ms. Mohammed emphasized the critical need for a holistic approach to food systems. “Transforming our food systems is essential to driving progress across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and delivering for everyone, everywhere,” she stated.

Her words resonated deeply with the diverse group of stakeholders present, including government officials, private sector leaders, and representatives from civil society.

‘We need all hands on deck’

The meetings in Nairobi were not just about dialogue; they were a call to action. Ms. Mohammed highlighted the importance of public-private-community partnerships in achieving sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems. “We need all hands on deck to reach food systems transformations with the impact to advance on the 2030 Agenda,” she urged.

One of the key themes of the discussions was the urgent need to enhance financial mechanisms to support food systems transformation. The UN deputy chief underscored the significance of securing concessional finance, investments, budget support, and debt restructuring. She pointed to the proposed SDG Stimulus of $500 billion a year as a potential game-changer, offering fiscal space and resources to drive this transformation.

Ms. Mohammed also addressed the challenges posed by rising living costs, social inequalities, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. She stressed that these global issues require a coordinated and comprehensive response. “Our efforts must be integrated and inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind,” she said.

During her visit, Ms. Mohammed engaged with member states, private sector leaders, and National Convenors of Food Systems Pathways from 27 countries, both in person and virtually. These sessions, held over two days, emphasized the urgency of collective action to transform food systems.

Food security and education for all

As part of her engagements in Nairobi, the Deputy Secretary-General visited Giga Kitchen, an initiative by Food4Education led by Wawira Njiru, the UN in Kenya Person of the Year in 2021.

Food4Education has demonstrated the power of innovation and collaboration in tackling food insecurity. In just two years, the organization has scaled up from feeding 10,000 children per day to 500,000, proving that community-driven initiatives, when supported by strategic partnerships, can achieve transformative impact at scale.

By leveraging technology, efficient supply chains, and innovative community engagement, Food4Education has not only expanded access to nutritious meals but also created a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both children and small-scale farmers. Through direct sourcing from smallholder farmers, the initiative has ensured a consistent market for local producers, strengthening food systems while promoting economic empowerment.

This model highlights how innovative, community-driven solutions can effectively and sustainably address food insecurity when integrated with government support and multi-stakeholder collaboration. By rethinking traditional approaches and embracing scalable, technology-driven solutions, initiatives like Food4Education set a precedent for sustainable development in food security and nutrition.

© UNEP/Ahmed Nayim Yussuf

Upcoming UN summit

Looking ahead to the UNFSS+4, Ms. Mohammed expressed optimism about the potential for meaningful progress. “We have the opportunity to reshape the global narrative around food systems, making them a key lever to accelerate and reinforce SDG progress,” she remarked.

The summit, she noted, will build on the momentum generated by previous efforts and set the stage for a new era of food systems transformation.

In concluding her mission, the Deputy Secretary-General convened a kick-off meeting hosted at AGRA Headquarters in Nairobi to launch the preparatory process for the UNFSS+4.

AGRA, an agency driving a food system-inspired inclusive agricultural transformation across Africa, brought together the UN Food Systems Advisory Group, high-level experts, and thought leaders to define the vision, strategy, and roadmap for the Summit. National convenors in participation shared insights on breakthroughs, priority needs, and expectations, shaping the direction of the UNFSS+4 programme.

While still at AGRA, Ms. Mohammed engaged with more than 200 staff members, commending them for their commitment to transforming African agriculture. She acknowledged AGRA’s African-led approach, which has been instrumental in scaling agricultural innovations to improve the lives of smallholder farmers.

“AGRA stands as a beacon of innovation and resilience, offering uniquely African solutions to the challenges faced by smallholder farmers,” she remarked. “Your work is not just about increasing agricultural productivity – it is about empowering communities, ensuring food security, and building sustainable livelihoods.”

Reflecting on AGRA’s achievements since its inception in 2006, she noted that its proven solutions have played a pivotal role in strengthening African food systems, improving farmer incomes, and fostering economic growth. She urged continued innovation, investment, and collaboration to accelerate progress toward sustainable agriculture and food security across the continent.

As the world faces increasing challenges in food security, UNFSS+4 represents a critical opportunity to rally global action, foster innovation, and strengthen partnerships to create sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems for the future.