Session overview

Countries are facing increasing pressure from interconnected crises—armed conflict, climate volatility, economic shocks, and widening inequality—all of which drive food insecurity and malnutrition. In this global context and amid shrinking resources, governments often find themselves navigating a landscape of disconnected initiatives that do not always align with their national priorities or realities. Agrifood systems must be at the center of global efforts to end hunger, reduce poverty, and tackle the increase on intensity and frequency of climate events. According to FAO, these systems are responsible for producing the food that sustains life and livelihoods for over 4.5 billion people, yet they are also highly vulnerable to shocks as previously mentioned. At the same time, agrifood systems contribute more than one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, consume 70% of freshwater resources, and are a leading driver of biodiversity loss. Without decisive action, current patterns of production and consumption will continue to drive inequality, food insecurity, and environmental degradation. This high-level plenary sets the tone for Day 2 of the Summit, marking a shift from reflection to action. It challenges leaders to move beyond fragmented pledges and toward a unified, inclusive path for sustained delivery. The session will spotlight transformative efforts that demonstrate how investment in agrifood systems can generate both financial returns and social and environmental impact. Through dynamic panels and moderated exchanges, stakeholders will share lessons, surface challenges, and chart a path forward - starting from what countries truly need and coordinating globally to make it happen.