From foundations to scale: The Hub launches its 3rd Biennial Work Plan 2026-2027
The United Nations Food Systems Coordination Hub has launched its third Biennial Work Plan for 2026–2027, under the leadership of the Hub’s Oversight Steering Committee.
This new Work Plan marks the beginning of a new phase in food systems transformation — one focused on scale, acceleration, and sustained country progress.
This progression is reflected in the Hub’s previous Work Plans. The first phase focused on establishing the functions, networks, and governance needed to carry forward the outcomes of the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit. The second phase moved toward operationalization, organizing support through thematic clusters. Today, this third Work Plan builds on that foundation, focusing on acceleration through three streamlined strategic pillars and two cross-cutting priorities that enable more connected, country-centered support. It marks a decisive step forward in the global effort to transform food systems.
The 2026–2027 Work Plan is also the result of an extensive and collaborative co-design process. It has been shaped through consultations with National Convenors, Resident Coordinators, UN Country Teams, UN agencies, development partners, and a wide range of stakeholders across the food systems ecosystem. This collective process ensures the Work Plan reflects real country needs while strengthening shared ownership across partners.
As emphasized in the Work Plan, “food systems transformation is an impactful entry point for SDG acceleration.” With more than 130 countries now advancing national food systems pathways, the global landscape has shifted.
At its core, the Hub serves as a central connector across this evolving landscape. It brings together governments, led by National Convenors, UN agencies, financial institutions, civil society, and the private sector. Its mission is to “serve countries by coordinating and facilitating the provision of systemic, demand-driven, customized support.”
What’s new?
The 2026–2027 Work Plan represents a step-change in how the Hub delivers on its mandate.
It is structured around three strategic pillars:
Enabling country solutions, including in complex settings
Strengthening the National Convenors’ network and capacities, while connecting countries to flagship initiatives and coordinated support for implementing national pathways.
Global advocacy and convening
Organizing UN Food Systems Summit Stocktakes and regional preparatory moments as platforms for accountability, cross-country learning, and renewed political momentum — including follow-up on the Secretary-General’s Call to Action.
Science, innovation, and knowledge
Engaging scientific communities and multistakeholder partnerships to help countries address policy gaps, translate evidence into action, and strengthen food systems as drivers of change through systems thinking.
These pillars are reinforced by two cross-cutting priorities:
- Financing, equipping countries with financial intelligence and alignment strategies to unlock investment.
- Strategic partnerships, ensuring the full ecosystem of support — from governments to civil society and the private sector — is connected and mobilized.
Together, this structure replaces the previous cluster approach with a more integrated, country-driven model, designed to respond to the increasing complexity and ambition of national food systems agendas and to bring a sharper focus to countries and partners.
Positioned for scale
This third Biennial Work Plan signals a moment of consolidation and confidence.
With strengthened governance through its Oversight Steering Committee, clearer strategic direction, and a growing ecosystem of partners, the Hub is positioned to support the next chapter of food systems transformation — one defined not only by commitments, but by measurable progress at scale.
