PLENARY SESSION
High-Level Opening “Harnessing a changing world for the future of sustainable food systems”
Monday, 28 July 2025 | 09:00 - 10:50
Lead: Ethiopia and Italy
Room CR1
Session Overview
The High-Level Opening will launch UNFSS+4 by positioning food systems transformation as central to achieving the SDGs in a fast-changing world marked by climate shocks, conflict, and rising inequality. The session will bring together political leaders, UN agencies, private sector, civil society, and youth to reaffirm shared responsibility, collective action and that solutions to our global challenges can be found in our food systems.
Speakers
High-Level Opening Statements
- H.E. Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
- H.E. Giorgia Meloni, President of the Council of Ministers, Republic of Italy
Video message from UN Secretary-General
High-Level Statements from Heads of State and Government
- H.E. William Samoei Ruto, President, Republic of Kenya
- H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President, Federal Republic of Somalia
- H.E. Azali Assoumani, President, Union of Comoros
- H.E. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President, Republic of Liberia
- H.E. Kashim Shettima, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
- H.E. Jessica Alupo R.E., Vice President, Republic of Uganda
- H.E. Jorge Luis Tapia Fonseca, Deputy Prime Minister, Republic of Cuba
- H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson, African Union
Panel discussion: Unlocking Resources for a Resilient Food Future
- Mr Peter Bakker, President, World Business Council for Sustainable Development
- Luigi Scordamaglia, CEO, Filiera Italia
- Elizabeth Nsimadala, East Africa Farmer’s Association
- Dina Kebede, Youth Representative
Closing remarks
- QU Dongyu, Director General, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
- Alvaro Lario, President, International Fund for Agricultural Development
- Cindy McCain, Executive Director, World Food Programme
