Arab Region Food Systems Transformation Meeting advances coordinated action on resilience, water scarcity, and sustainable livelihoods

National Convenors and stakeholders from across the Arab region convened in Cairo, Egypt, for the Arab Region Food Systems Transformation Meeting, part of the 2026 regional meeting series led by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (ESCWA), the League of Arab States, and the regional offices of FAO and WFP.

Held at a time of mounting pressure on food systems, the meeting also reflected growing efforts across the region to advance food systems transformation – while recognizing that progress remains uneven and constrained by climate shocks, conflicts, economic pressures and limited access to finance. Discussions focused on getting action underway where it matters most – to strengthen resilience, improve food security and nutrition, and support sustainable livelihoods.

Bringing together governments, regional institutions, civil society, financial institutions and private sector actors, the meeting emphasized the urgency of advancing implementation through stronger coordination, aligned partners, improved access to finance and investment-ready actions.

Key themes and priorities

Building on previous regional meetings and the outcomes of UNFSS+4, the meeting brought together participants to discuss key regional priorities, including:

• strengthening financing and investment for food systems transformation, particularly in complex settings, including improved access to climate finance;
• building resilient food systems through integrated approaches that address climate shocks, conflict, water scarcity, and broader crises;
• advancing inclusive partnerships through stronger private sector engagement, regional cooperation, South-South exchange, and locally led solutions;
• improving food security, nutrition, rural livelihoods, and decent work opportunities, particularly for vulnerable populations, women, and youth; and
• promoting policy coherence across food, water, climate, and economic systems to support sustainable transformation.

Discussions also highlighted the need to scale proven solutions beyond pilot projects, with stronger partnerships, sustained investment and improved market access. Participants emphasized that food systems are central to stability, economic development and long-term resilience in the region, alongside the importance of strengthening local production and supporting communities as active drivers of transformation, particularly in fragile settings. There was also a clear call for better coordination across stakeholders – including the private sector, local communities, civil society, financing partners and regional institutions – backed by strong national political commitment.

Voices from the meeting

Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (video message): “We have to move from commitments to implementation at scale. Action must be grounded in robust science and data, and in indigenous and local knowledge.”

Dr. Mourad Wahba, Acting Executive Secretary, ESCWA (remarks delivered on behalf of Mr. Tarek Sadek, First Economic Affairs Officer, Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Cluster): “We meet at a time of profound challenges for food systems across our region – and at a moment when the need for collective action has never been greater.”

Mr. Abdulhakim Elwaer, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, FAO: “Agrifood systems transformation is about people, not only food. National Food Systems Convenors and national pathways are critical mechanisms to translate global commitments into national priorities and practical implementation.”

Ms. Elena Panova, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt: “Progress depends less on individual initiatives and more on sustained alignment across sectors, institutions, public and private sector partners and levels of governance. This is where regional cooperation becomes essential.”

Mr. Samer Abdeljaber, Regional Head, WFP: “In the Arab region, food systems are under significant pressure from conflict, displacement, economic fragility, climate change and supply chain disruptions. Food systems transformation is therefore not only an agricultural agenda. It is also an economic, humanitarian, climate and stability agenda.”

Mr. Mahmoud Fathallah, Director of the Department of Environmental and Meteorological Affairs and Director of Department of Water Resources, Housing and Disaster Risk Reduction, League of Arab States: “Driven by the conviction of Arab countries across the region, food security has been given advanced priority within the framework of joint Arab action, stemming from a firm belief that achieving food security constitutes a cornerstone for ensuring stability and sustainable development.”

Mr. Anas Al-Nabulsi, Chairperson, Committee on World Food Security: “The transformation of food systems is not only about food production, but also about people, prosperity, peace, stability, resilience, and sustainable development. Opportunities and hope remain – opportunities for leadership, innovation, and strengthened cooperation.”

Mr. Khaled Eltaweel, Senior Programme Coordinator, UN Food Systems Coordination Hub: “In the Arab region, food systems are no longer discussed merely as an agricultural sector, but as a fundamental pillar of national development, food security and long-term stability.”

©FAO/Ahmed Elsheemy

Looking ahead

The meeting highlighted the importance of sustained regional collaboration and a stronger focus on implementation – with greater emphasis on financing, partnerships and coordinated action to support delivery.

Participants also pointed to the need to strengthen local production, resilient supply chains and community-led solutions, while advancing more integrated approaches across food, water, climate and economic systems.

Notes to editors

• The Arab Region Food Systems Transformation Meeting is part of the 2026 regional meeting series supporting implementation of national food systems transformation pathways.
• The meetings are designed to support peer learning, strengthen coordination and identify practical opportunities for partnership and investment.
• Additional materials can be found here.