FAO Council Endorses Strategies on Climate Change and on Science and Innovation

With the rising hunger figures and increasing threats to food security worldwide, the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) presented two thematic strategies. These strategies aim to steer efforts that will transform agrifood systems and promote a food secure world for all, as envisioned by the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.

The first strategy is focused on addressing the impact of climate change on agrifood systems. The latest scientific evidence provided by UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change confirms the unequivocal and unprecedented climate risks characterized by intensifying heatwaves, heavy precipitation and droughts, fires, and tropical cyclones. These challenges have caused economic damages and exposed millions of people to acute food insecurity and reduced water security. The strategy aims to address loss of biodiversity, desertification, land and environmental degradation, and the need for accessible, renewable energy, and food and water security through science-based approaches.

The strategy on science and innovation focuses on strengthening science and evidence-based decision making, supporting innovation and technology at regional and country levels, and reinforcing FAO's capacities.

"The Strategy on Science and Innovation will benefit the billions of small-scale producers and their families who are urgently in need of the best available science, technologies and innovation to play their part in transforming our agrifood systems,” said FAO Director-General QU Dongyu.

The strategies were endorsed on June 13-14, 2022 in Rome by the 170th session of FAO's executive body and will be implemented for 10 years.

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