Session Overview

Four years after the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit, National Convenors in 155 countries have been instrumental in advancing food systems transformation. They’ve led multi-stakeholder dialogues, fostered inter-ministerial coordination, and integrated food systems into national development plans. Amid mounting global challenges—slow SDG progress, climate shocks, and political instability—Convenors have emerged as strategic leaders, building governance platforms, mobilizing resources, and promoting cross-sectoral policies in agriculture, health, climate, and social protection. Their efforts have advanced equity, nutrition, and climate action through initiatives like the Food Systems Climate Action Convergence and the Joint SDG Fund. Yet, challenges persist: limited financing, weak implementation capacity, and institutional gaps threaten to slow progress. The UNFSS+4 Stocktake offers a vital opportunity to elevate Convenors’ voices, share national experiences, and define the support needed to scale transformation. This session will showcase Convenors as key agents of change in building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems globally.