BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT AT THE UNFSS+4
Unlocking Private Sector Financing for Food Systems Transformation
To address the pressing challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition, we need targeted investment informed by data and evidence on where to invest for impact and results at scale.
As part of the UNFSS+4, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), in collaboration with FAO and the UN Global Compact, were requested by the UN Deputy Secretary-General to convene a Business Engagement Group.
This group coordinates inputs and contributions to the UNFSS+4, with the aim of mobilizing greater investment and unlocking private sector financing for innovative and entrepreneurial solutions with proven impact for food systems transformation.
The Business Engagement Group has been established around three key tracks:
1. Demonstrate Progress
Development of a compendium to showcase successful investment and blended finance models, along with the best practices in responsible private sector investment.
2. Unlock Investment
Mobilize greater investments for practical, large-scale cases and accelerate financing for innovative and entrepreneurial solutions with proven impact.
3. Public-Private Collaboration and Accountability
Facilitate public-private collaboration dialogues focused on enabling policy conditions, aimed at identifying the right incentives for private sector investment and supporting the tracking and measurement of progress.
Compendium
The Compendium presents 15 co-investment cases that illustrate the critical role of the private sector in transforming global food systems. Through multistakeholder collaboration, innovative financing models and a commitment to regenerative, inclusive principles, these cases demonstrate viable, scalable solutions aligned with the five UNFSS Action Tracks: safe food and accessible nutrition; sustainable consumption; nature positive production; equitable livelihoods and resilience against systemic vulnerabilities. They reflect corporate leadership in advancing food systems resilience through long-term investments, transparency and strategic partnerships.
To scale such efforts, it is essential to unlock financing and increase investment in food systems transformation. This requires expanding access to both existing and innovative financing mechanisms, derisking investments, and creating an enabling environment for private sector engagement, particularly in climate finance and support for marginalized food systems actors, including small-scale producers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In parallel, mobilizing domestic public finance institutions, scaling private sector investment and philanthropic contributions, and leveraging the international financial architecture for food finance are crucial to enabling a successful transition.
The compendium was developed by WBCSD, UN Global Compact, FAO, IFAD and GAIN, and will be launched on 28 July 2025.
Investment Dialogues
Within the official programme of UNFSS+4, there are six high-level investment dialogues, which will be facilitated by the Business Engagement Group and will convene government officials, the private sector, International Financial Institutions, civil society and other key stakeholders.
In addition to showcasing best practices and investment opportunities, these sessions will include implementation-focused dialogues to address barriers to financing, enhance on-the-ground delivery, and explore mechanisms that facilitate investment reaching smallholder farmers.
Matchmaking: Pitching and Presentation Sessions
At the UNFSS+4, the Business Engagement Group is facilitating a matchmaking process that will bring together national authorities and investors to catalyze investment in food systems transformation, with a focus on innovative and blended financing solutions. This matchmaking will include pitching and presentation of investment opportunities by a set of leading countries and SMEs with concrete investment proposals. An online application will be launched ahead of the Stocktake for matchmaking and to enable real-time follow-up on proposals and commitments.
I. Country-led Investment Presentations
Up to 10 countries will present their investment plans and highlight investible programmes with a strong potential for engagement from private sector, foundations, development partners, financial institutions, impact funds, and others. These presentations will showcase opportunities that are ready for investment, aiming to attract interest to foster closer cooperation with partners and to scale up existing initiatives. The goal is to encourage and accelerate increased and targeted investment in food systems and inspire efforts in alignment with the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action.
II. SMEs-led Pitching Session
Around 20 SMEs and entrepreneurs selected by the Business Engagement Group will pitch their ideas and present investment opportunities to government officials, private sector, investors and partners during moderated sessions. The selected SMEs come from various regions and are presenting on investment opportunities which demonstrate tangible contributions across the food systems, and are both impactful and economically viable. To support this process, a digital pitchbook is being developed, to facilitate participation and provide additional information on key topics for discussion.