From Addis to Nadi: UN Food Systems Coordination Hub drives Asia-Pacific momentum on food systems transformation

NADI, FIJI – The UN Food Systems Coordination Hub participated in two key sessions at the Sixth Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia-Pacific, held from 26-29 August 2025, reinforcing calls for urgent food systems transformation across the region.

Building on the global momentum of the UN Food Systems Summit +4 (UNFSS+4) Stocktake in Addis Ababa last month, Dr. Stefanos Fotiou, Director of the Hub, delivered messages of action, accountability, and convergence in two high-level events on 26 and 27 August in Nadi, Fiji.

Driving Action at the Science-Policy-Business Dialogue

On 26 August, Dr. Fotiou addressed the Science-Policy-Business Dialogue on the Environment, highlighting that the hidden costs of food – linked to health, ecosystems, and the economy – amount to trillions of dollars globally. He urged governments and the private sector in Asia-Pacific to integrate food systems transformation into broader development agendas, linking science, Indigenous knowledge, and youth innovation.

“Food systems are levers for resilience, climate action, and prosperity,” Dr. Fotiou said. “Transformation must be grounded in science, informed by data, and built with inclusion.”

Drawing on outcomes from UNFSS+4, Dr. Fotiou emphasized four priorities: strengthening science–policy interfaces, increasing private sector accountability, leveraging digital innovation, and putting equity at the center of change.

From Commitment to Delivery: Regional Priorities for Food Systems

At a dedicated side event on 27 August, titled “From Commitment to Actions: Scaling Up Food Systems Transformation for a Resilient Planet,” Dr. Fotiou opened discussions on how to turn food systems commitments into real-world results.

“UNFSS+4 showed us that countries are moving – 128 have developed national pathways and 39 have updated them into actionable plans,” he said. “In Asia-Pacific, there is strong potential to build on this momentum through inclusive governance, smarter financing, and integrated policy.”

The event highlighted best practices from across the region – from school meal programs that support local farmers, to climate-smart agriculture, and digital tools enhancing smallholder access to markets. It also spotlighted initiatives like the Convergence Initiative, which integrates food systems and climate policies, and is expanding from Southeast Asia to the Pacific.

A Call to Sustain Momentum

The Hub's presence in Nadi reinforced a clear message: the path from Addis to Nadi is one of action and alignment. With growing political recognition of food systems as critical to achieving the SDGs, the Hub reaffirmed its commitment to supporting countries through national UN teams, cross-sectoral coalitions, and regional mechanisms.

“Momentum is not enough without meaningful delivery,” said Dr. Fotiou. “The Asia-Pacific region has the innovation and leadership to lead the way – now is the time to scale solutions that make food systems truly sustainable, inclusive, and resilient.”

On 28 August, during the Sixth Session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia-Pacific, Dr. Fotiou also delivered a recorded intervention under Agenda Item 5. His remarks underscored the urgent need for multilateral cooperation to address interconnected global crises – climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, health, and pollution. He further emphasized the value of science–policy platforms and integrated approaches for food systems transformation, noting that multisectoral and evidence-based coordination is essential to align agriculture, health, climate, biodiversity, and economic objectives.

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