Delivering closing remarks on the UN Meals Techniques Summit +4 Stocktaking Second (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, co-hosted by Ethiopia and Italy, Ms. Mohammed praised the rising momentum behind meals programs transformation.
However she additionally warned that with simply 5 years left to 2030, “starvation and malnutrition persist. Local weather shocks, battle, debt, and inequality are widening the cracks in our programs.”
“Too typically meals programs are seen as a part of our challenges,” she mentioned. “When in reality, they are often one of many best options to ship for individuals, planet, peace and prosperity.”
A worldwide course of for transformation
The UN Meals Techniques Summit course of was launched in 2021 “within the midst of a worldwide pandemic” to catalyse nationwide and international motion to make meals programs extra inclusive, resilient and sustainable.
The 2025 stocktake introduced collectively over 3,000 individuals from governments, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, youth, and the personal sector to evaluate progress and renew commitments.
Up to now, greater than 130 international locations have developed Nationwide Pathways for meals programs transformation, supported by UN businesses and growth companions.
Shifting the UNFSS course of ahead
In her deal with, Ms. Mohammed highlighted a number of areas of progress and referred to as for pressing, coordinated motion:
- Meals programs as local weather options:
“Meals and agriculture at the moment are a part of the local weather plans of 168 international locations,” she mentioned, noting their potential to scale back emissions and construct resilience. - Faculty meals as a strategic funding:
Over 170 international locations are implementing faculty meal programmes. These will not be simply meals – they’re investments in youngsters, our farmers, and the long run. - Cities driving innovation:
City centres are main efforts to scale back meals waste and strengthen native provide chains. Cities are displaying what innovation seems like on the bottom. - Inclusion is crucial:
Ms. Mohammed referred to as for inclusion of youth, Indigenous Peoples, ladies, and marginalized communities. “These are highly effective commitments to rework meals programs for individuals and the planet that you’ve got helped encourage.” - Financing should match ambition:
She urged donors and growth banks to align investments with nationwide pathways.
“As we conclude this Stocktake, we should acknowledge that we met within the face of challenges that take a look at our ethical values and threaten the long run sustainability of our planet, underscoring the urgency of our work collectively.”
A meals market within the Amhara area of Ethiopia.
International starvation declines, however regional disparities persist
The Summit, which has been operating within the Ethiopian capital since 27 July, noticed the launch of the State of Meals Safety and Diet within the World 2025 (SOFI) report, which revealed a modest decline in international starvation – however a troubling rise in meals insecurity in Africa and Western Asia
Collectively produced by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO, the report highlights how persistent meals value inflation has undermined entry to wholesome diets, particularly for low-income populations. Weak teams – together with ladies, youngsters, and rural communities – stay disproportionately affected.
The report requires:
- Coherent fiscal and financial insurance policies to stabilize markets
- Open and resilient commerce programs
- Focused social safety for at-risk populations
- Sustained funding in resilient agrifood programs
Whereas noting an encouraging lower within the international starvation charge, the report underscored that progress is uneven. SOFI 2025 serves as a important reminder that the worldwide group should intensify efforts to make sure that everybody has entry to adequate, protected, and nutritious meals.
Hope for individuals who want it most
At a key facet occasion on Tuesday, Ms. Mohammed appealed for long-term, inclusive options to meals insecurity in crisis-affected areas. She highlighted the staggering toll of acute malnutrition, noting that over 37 million youngsters underneath 5 will face acute malnutrition this 12 months – almost 10 million of them affected by extreme losing, the deadliest type of undernutrition.
“Communities are trapped in relentless cycles of hardship,” she mentioned. “However braveness is on show in any respect moments.”
Ms. Mohammed urged governments and companions to maneuver past short-term interventions and embrace transformative, regionally pushed options. She praised international locations embedding resilience into nationwide methods and mixing conventional data with science to rebuild meals programs.
“These governments will not be ready for permission – they’re main,” she mentioned.
She outlined three priorities for motion: Catalytic finance that builds native capability; Coordinated responses that bridge humanitarian and growth divides; and Group-centred approaches, particularly for ladies and youth.
“Meals programs transformation is particularly important in advanced settings,” she mentioned. “It drives meals safety, resilience, stability, and inclusive development.”
She wrapped up the occasion with a name to strengthen multilateralism and unlock alternative “for and with those that want it most.”
UN Deputy Secretary-Common Amina Mohammed (left) serves meals to youngsters at a UN Meals Techniques Summit occasion in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Wanting forward
Ms. Mohammed closed the Summit with a name to motion:
“Our motion has proven what is feasible once we work collectively in deliberate methods throughout sectors, stakeholders, and international locations with a shared function.”
She referred to as on governments and other people all over the place to construct on what has been achieved and proceed to work collectively for peace and to comprehend the imaginative and prescient of the 2030 Agenda.
“Let’s proceed to paved the way – collectively.”
