Nigerian Government, United Nations convene national dialogue of food systems
The Nigeria Government has collaborated with the United Nations system in Nigeria, to organize series of dialogues across the country towards ensuring resilient, inclusive and sustainable food systems in the country by 2030
Penpushing reports that National Convenor of Nigeria Food Systems Summit Dialogue (FSSD), and Permanent Secretary, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Olusola Idowu, made this known during a multi-sectoral, inter-agency planning meeting for the dialogue held in Abuja
The announced plans was said to be in preparatory to the September 2021 United Nations (UN) Food Systems Summit (FSS) convened by the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Penpushing further reports that, Idowu said, the food systems dialogues, the first of which holds on 23 February, are based on five action tracks which align with the current developmental priorities of Nigeria, and therefore, immensely contributory to an improved food systems in the country.
“The five action tracks include to ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all; Shift to sustainable Consumption Pattern; Boost nature-positive Production; live hood; and build resilience to vulnerabilities shocks and stress”, she said
Penpushing also reports that, the Convener emphasized that the Nigeria FSSD would be organized at three levels: Inception National Dialogue, aimed at identifying food systems challenges from multiple perspectives; the Exploratory Dialogues, planned to hold in the six geo-political zones and major cities in Nigeria to harness promising approaches from diverse stakeholders that contribute to food systems in the country; and the Consolidatory Dialogues, aimed to exchange views on the pathway towards sustainable national food system, identify intentions and commitments of different food system actors.
The convener while providing some insights, explained that in Nigeria, the Food Systems Dialogue would create more inclusive, healthier food systems, and encourage a collaborative approach towards building a sustainable food systems and enhance the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Penpushing reports that, United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kallon, observed that the coronavirus pandemic had worsened the Nigeria food systems and the food systems dialogues would provide a critical opportunity to tackle the weaknesses that were exposed by the crisis.
“We must mobilise human and material resources across the country, and come together to dialogue on how to build back better, the ailing food systems.” He emphasized, “We are all members of the global food system, and we all have a responsibility to act.”
The Resident Coordinator disclosed that the United Nations(UN) Secretary-General’s Food Systems Summit was designed to galvanise new actions to deliver progress on all 17 SDGs, each of which relies to some degree on healthier, more sustainable and equitable food systems, stressing “it will also enhance food security and sustainability of eco-based Agriculture and food systems around the world’.
Penpushing further reports that, the Deputy Secretary-General and Chair of the Advisory Committee of the Food Systems Summit, Amina Mohammed, in November 2020 had invited all Member States to engage in the preparation of the Summit through encouraging action-oriented Dialogues, discussing ways to achieve sustainable food systems by 2030.
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