The importance of holistic policy planning and a ‘food systems’ approach

10:30 – 13:00 CET

Challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, trade disruptions, climate change and related natural disasters, migration and displacement, inflation and rising costs of energy are compromising food security and supply-chain resilience and are driving up food prices.

Against this backdrop, the question of how best to achieve sustainability in food systems, and how to operationalize a ‘food systems approach’ has become an ever more urgent focus of policy for governments around the world.

Drawing on the experience of the governments of Armenia and Tajikistan, the key findings of the regional UNFSS stock taking report, and looking to innovation and best practice from across the wider region, this webinar will provide a moment to consider the value of – and difficulties in – adopting a ‘systems’ approach of holistic policy planning to deliver national food systems that are sustainable, equitable and support better health and livelihoods. We will explore key opportunities for such holistic planning to support the delivery of the UNFSS National Pathways – for example, the importance of prioritizing greater cross-border connectivity to support export growth, or of investing in renewable energy to support modernized irrigation systems that support productivity growth while lessening farmers’ exposure to energy price shocks. We will consider the impact that the war in Ukraine has on food systems in the region and share insights on how best to build resilience at the local, national, and regional level amid growing global market uncertainty.