Food Systems Solutions Webinar Series 2023 | Applying Systems Thinking

5 October 2023. Applying Systems Thinking for Food Systems Transformation

Concept Note: English

Panelists focused on the nexus approach, highlighting the interconnectedness of different systems and emphasized the need for integrated solutions by sharing insights from their experiences and offered practical examples. They will specifically examined in a systemic way the transformation of food systems and how they can be leveraged to accelerate progress on various critical interconnected issues. 

• Ismahane Elouafi, FAO Chief Scientist
• Livia Bizikova, Lead II, Monitoring and Governance Tracking Progress Program, IISD •
• Tom Arnold, Ireland’s Special Envoy for Food Systems, 2021-2022 
• Kwesi Atta-Krah, Senior Advisor/Consultant, Country and Regional Engagement, One CGIAR-Continental Africa Directorate, IITA

   

Background

Since its inception in April 2022, the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub has been convening multiple virtual dialogues dedicated to peer-learning on food systems transformation. National Convenors and the broad ecosystem of support have been highly engaged in these dialogues, calling for the expansion of topics and thematic areas discussed. To scale knowledge diffusion and enhance science-policy-society interfaces, the Hub will host a series of Food Systems Solutions Webinars (FSS Webinars). These FSS Webinars are open to the public and will act as a platform for peer-exchange, capacity-development and strategic communication among Hub partners and engaged citizens.

The webinars are open meetings addressing government organizations, non-state actors, the UN system and other international organizations, non-for-profit organizations, private sector and other actors working on food system issues.

Future webinars

23 November 2023. 15:00 – 16:00. Innovating for Sustainable Food Systems Transformations: Scaling Success Stories Beyond Technology

• Innovation goes beyond technology. It must incorporate social, economic, institutional, behavioral and organizational processes that facilitate integrative policies, business models and sustainable financing. 
• This webinar will present success stories to illustrate how a broader definition of innovation must be used to advance equitable and sustainable food systems transformation.

Past webinars

15 JUNE 2023: Transforming Food Systems for Planetary Health

Concept note: English

This webinar explored the value of food systems transformation for public and environmental health, focusing on the areas of conflict and pandemic prevention, nature conservation, food security, and social equity. It included a focus on country-led examples of One Health plans and planetary health applications, from Finland and Malaysia, while expanding the importance of food systems for healthier people and the planet.

• Dr Nicole de Paula, Senior SDG Expert, UN Food Systems Coordination Hub 
• Dr Jeremy Farrar, Chief Scientist, WHO 
• Dr Keith Sumption, Chief Veterinary Officer, FAO 
• Dr Minna Huttunen, Ministerial Adviser, Food Safety Unit, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Finland
• Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, Professor and Director, Sunway Centre for Planetary Health and Former Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Malaysia

11 MAY 2023: Standards and Labels for Sustainable Food Systems Transformation

Concept Note: English

Food labelling is an effective tool to protect consumer health, as it enhances food safety, nutrition, and environmental protection. With growing global trade, there is an increasing need for trusted methods to ensure that food labels serve their purpose. In this webinar, participants will learn about how countries and international organizations collaborate to ensure that food labels are enablers for sustainable food systems.

• Ms. Nicole de Paula, Senior SDGs Expert, UN Food Systems Coordination Hub
• Vittorio Fattorio, Food Safety and Quality Officer, Food Systems and Food Safety Division (ESF), FAO 
• Pilar Santacoloma, Nutrition and Food Systems Officer, The Food and Nutrition Division (ESN), FAO 
• Katrin Engelhardt, Scientist (Healthy Diet Policies), Department of Nutrition and Food Safety at WHO 
• Renate Künast, Member of the German Bundestag and former Minister of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture from 2001 to 2005