Asia-Pacific countries shift from commitments to delivery in food systems transformation

Government representatives from 25 countries across Asia and the Pacific, together with more than 20 UN agencies, regional partners, financial institutions, and civil society organizations, concluded two days of high‑level dialogue at the 4th Asia‑Pacific Food Systems Transformation Meeting organized by the UN Food System Coordination HUB in collaboration with  UNESCAP, FAO and support from the SUN Movement, NDC Partnership, UNFCCC Secretariat, and the Asia Farmer Association.

The region now counts 31 national food systems pathways, including six that have been updated since the UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake (UNFSS+4) – reflecting increasing political commitment and a shift toward implementation. Countries emphasized that the design phase is over: delivery and finance are now the defining priorities for accelerating food systems transformation through 2030.

Key highlights from the meeting

Delivery as the central priority

Countries stressed the urgent need to translate commitments into funded programmes, enacted policies, and measurable outcomes. Delegates highlighted persistent bottlenecks including fragmented governance, limited subnational capacity, insufficient technical expertise, and challenging access to international financing.

Building resilience in complex settings

In the face of climate shocks, economic volatility, and disaster risks, countries underscored the need for climate‑smart and nature‑positive production, localized value chains, improved early‑warning systems, and stronger links between humanitarian, development, and climate financing.

Barriers to transformation identified

A breakout session captured the major structural challenges slowing progress:

• Siloed governance systems and legal constraints
• Weak coordination between policy planning and financing decisions
• Limited political will to ensure policy coherence
• Insufficient subnational capacity
• Misalignment between national and subnational plans, budgets, and investments

Countries identified areas for targeted support

Delegates outlined clear needs, including:

• Methodological and technical assistance to strengthen policy coherence
• Guidelines for food systems transformation
• Collective advocacy for a UN resolution on food systems
• Pilots to implement guidelines on decent work, gender equity, and inclusive governance
• Improved data systems, digital tools, and science‑policy interfaces

Support was offered by countries and partners reflecting growing alignment across the ecosystem of support.

Scaling innovations and partnerships

Countries showcased solutions ready for scaling – digital agriculture platforms, climate‑smart technologies, nutrition‑sensitive social protection, and farmer‑centered market models. New partnerships were highlighted, such as agroecology networks in Southeast Asia, university‑based extension models, Japan’s MIDORI cooperation plan, and regional agricultural research collaborations.

Next steps

Participants emphasized the need to strengthen monitoring systems, mobilize targeted finance, expand peer learning, and ensure annual updates on progress and emerging needs. The meeting reinforced that inclusive governance – especially the roles of youth, women, and Indigenous Peoples – is essential for resilient, equitable food systems.

The 4th Asia‑Pacific Food Systems Transformation Meeting closes with renewed commitment from countries and partners to accelerate progress toward resilient, sustainable, and nutrition‑positive food systems by 2030.

Media contact
Rathana Peou Norbert Munns
Senior Agrifood Systems Policy Expert
UN Food Systems Coordination Hub
[email protected]

Resources:

• Meeting agenda
• Concept Note
• Photos