Summary report, 9–13 October 2017

The 44th session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS 44) convened from 9-13 October 2017, at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) in Rome, Italy, under the theme ‘Making a Difference in Food Security and Nutrition.’ Approximately 1100 participants representing CFS Members, non-Member States, UN agencies and bodies, civil society and private sector organizations, international finance and research organizations, and observers, attended the session.

CFS 44 adopted conclusions on food security and nutrition (FSN), including: the 2017 report on the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI 2017); lessons learned implementing the 2030 Agenda; CFS and the 2030 Agenda: reflections from the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) 2017 and contributions to the HLPF 2018; the report of the CFS’ High-level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE) on Nutrition and Food Systems; updating reporting on the second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN 2); good practices and lessons sharing for improved nutrition; and CFS advancing nutrition including the UN Decade on Nutrition (UN Decade).

Under its policy convergence workstream, the Committee adopted recommendations and guidance for further work towards CFS products on: Sustainable Forestry for FSN; outcomes of the Forum on Women’s Empowerment in the Context on Food Security and Nutrition; and Urbanization, Rural Transformation and Implications for FSN.

Participants also adopted updates to CFS’ workstreams and activities including the Multi-year Programme of Work (MYPoW); the periodic update of the Global Strategic Framework for Food Security and Nutrition (GSF); Monitoring the Effectiveness of CFS; as well as a response to the independent evaluation of CFS; and critical and emerging issues for FSN.

AN INTRODUCTION TO CFS

CFS was established in 1974 as an intergovernmental body to serve as a forum in the UN system for review and follow-up of policies concerning world food security, including production and physical and economic access to food. Its first session was held in 1976. In response to calls for a revised food policy governance system from the 2008 and 2009 G8 Summits and the 2009 World Summit on Food Security, CFS underwent a reform in 2009. The reform aimed at making CFS more effective by including a wider group of stakeholders and increasing its ability to promote policies that ensure FSN for all.

CFS now serves as an inclusive international, intergovernmental and multi-stakeholder platform. Its mandate is to: coordinate a global approach to food security; promote policy convergence; support and advise countries and regions; coordinate at national and regional levels; promote accountability and share best practices; and develop a global strategic framework for FSN. The framework of the reformed CFS broadens participation and aims to: give a voice to all stakeholders in the world food system; be inclusive and encourage an exchange of views and experiences; and build on empirical evidence and scientific analysis.

In 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda) reaffirmed CFS’ “important role and inclusive nature” regarding the world’s determination to “end hunger and to achieve food security as a matter of priority and to end all forms of malnutrition” as reflected in targets 2.1 and 2.2. of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 (end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture).

CFS’ structure includes: the annual Plenary, the main decision-making body; a Bureau; an Advisory Group, including representatives from UN bodies, civil society, international agricultural research institutions, international and regional financial institutions, the private sector, philanthropic foundations  and prominent individuals; a High-Level Panel of Experts (HLPE) on Food Security and Nutrition; and the Secretariat, supported by the three Rome-based agencies (RBAs), FAO, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and World Food Programme (WFP). CFS deliberations are based on country representation in FAO regional groups. Non-governmental actors are represented through the Civil Society Mechanism (CSM), and the Private Sector Mechanism (PSM).

Major CFS outcomes include: the 2012 Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security (VGGT); the 2014 Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (CFS-RAI); the Framework for Action for Food Security and Nutrition in Protracted Crises (CFS-FFA); and the GSF, a reference document containing practical guidance on recommendations, policies and strategies for FSN, that is updated annually.

CFS 42 (12-15 October 2015, Rome) endorsed the CFS-FFA and recommendations on Water for Food Security and Nutrition. The meeting also launched new areas of work, including on CFS’ role in nutrition and in the 2030 Agenda.

CFS 43 (17-21 October 2016) adopted recommendations for policy convergence on the role of livestock in sustainable agricultural development for FSN, and on promoting smallholders’ access to markets; and terms of reference (TORs) to share experiences and good practices in applying CFS decisions and recommendations by organizing events at all levels. The meeting also mandated intersessional work on CFS’ contribution to the 2030 Agenda, on nutrition, and on urbanization and rural transformation.

CFS 44 REPORT

On Monday, 9 October, CFS Chair Amira Gornass (Sudan) opened CFS 44, drawing attention to its theme ‘Making a Difference for Food Security and Nutrition.’ This report summarizes the discussions in the order of the CFS 44 agenda. Unless otherwise noted, delegates approved the conclusions presented by Chair Gornass on each agenda item.

OGRANIZATIONAL MATTERS: Plenary adopted the agenda and timetable (CFS 2017/44/Rev.1 and 2017/44/Inf.1 and Inf.2) and established a drafting committee to be chaired by Khaled El Taweel (Egypt). CFS Secretary Deborah Fulton announced that CFS now has 137 Members.

OPENING SESSION: CFS AND THE SDGS

In a video message, UN Secretary General António Guterres underlined the importance of investing in food security in the face of news that global hunger is on the rise again. Noting that extreme weather and climate change are taking a toll, he highlighted the theme of World Food Day 2017 and urged Members to invest in food security to change the future of migration.

Chair Gornass said conflicts not only create acute food security needs but also long-lasting consequences for FSN, economic growth and development. She emphasized the universal right to food in achieving sustainable development, and highlighted the unique role of CFS in addressing complex issues.

José Graziano da Silva, FAO Director-General, said rising rates in malnutrition, particularly in children could compromise future generations. Gilbert F. Houngbo, IFAD President, said rural transformation is a precondition for the sustained impact of policies, adding that global food security needs to lay the groundwork in rural areas followed by sustainable investment at local and national levels. David Beasley, WFP Executive Director, compared high military spending with low investments in development and humanitarian aid. He called for donors to work more cooperatively and efficiently and proposed stepping up food support as a “weapon of peace,” instead of providing weapons for war.

Fabrizio Hochschild, UN Assistant-Secretary-General, outlined the mutually deteriorating relationships between food insecurity, conflict and climate change. He said improved collaboration within the UN system is needed to create meaningful linkages with humanitarian aid. Patrick Caron, HLPE Chair, outlined the HLPE reports to be discussed at CFS 44.

THE STATE OF FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION IN THE WORLD: Moderated by Lucy Hockings, international journalist, this interactive session provided an opportunity to discuss the findings of the 2017 Report on the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI 2017; CFS 2017/44/INF/14).

In his key note address, former President of Ghana, John Agyekum Kufuor, discussed the need to sustainably increase food production for a growing global population under increasingly severe impacts of climate change. He stressed developing countries’ need for technical expertise, and, reporting on Ghana’s success in reducing hunger, he urged UN organizations, researchers, philanthropic organizations and civil society to collaborate in advancing global and national governance.

Marco Sanchez Cantillo, FAO, presented global trends, including decreasing chronic child malnutrition, increasing adult obesity, and rising hunger. He said that extreme weather events and a growing number of conflicts are responsible for slowed progress, noting that most chronically food insecure and malnourished people live in conflict areas. WFP stressed addressing issues of rural development to prevent conflict and exacerbation of food insecurity and malnutrition. Via video, Ahmed Bin Ahmed Al-Maisary, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation, Yemen, outlined how conflict and economic collapse have taken a toll on food security and called on the international community for urgent assistance.

Brazil emphasized the need to integrate SDG 1 (end poverty) and SDG 2 into national policies. WHO stressed the need for policy actions on trade and investments and strengthened governance and accountability. She underlined the opportunity for “double duty” actions to reduce risk of both undernutrition as well as overweight, obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases. 

Participants discussed, among other issues: the causal link between hunger and conflict; the need for timely humanitarian aid in disaster and conflict situations; conflict-sensitive development approaches to address FSN; major challenges to countries at risk of impending famine; the paradox of hunger and malnutrition occurring within the same communities and families, and the role of gender equality for food security.

The UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food noted that starvation and famine are related to long-term human rights violations and dysfunctional internal and international systems.

Noting that civil war has contributed to imminent threat of famine, South Sudan called on the international community to increase support. Sudan highlighted regulatory review to attract more investments, noting that the recent end of economic sanctions against his country will be beneficial for FSN. CSM said food security cannot be achieved without peace and that CFS should, inter alia: review policy responses and their impact on the root causes of hunger, look at individual and collective human rights violations; and periodically forecast food crises and coordinate coherent responses.

China highlighted South-South cooperation undertaken by BRICs countries, and called for further economic support, cooperation and technological exchange to end hunger. India suggested that FAO consider declaring 2018 the international year of Millets. The Russian Federation noted the need to overcome economic imbalances, commodity price volatility, technical disparities, and lack of progress on sustainable production and consumption. Egypt said SOFI 2017 is an “alarm bell” for the sustainability agenda, calling for new thinking on the issue of conflict and food security.

The G77 and China lamented that a rising proportion of humanitarian aid in development assistance is leading to declining funds for agriculture and fisheries, stressing: the need for drought resistant seeds; a fair multilateral trade system; and that food should not be used as an instrument for political and economic pressure. Noting declining global commitments, PSM called for more emphasis on food security and sustainable agriculture. Iceland highlighted commitments under the Paris Agreement and the role of access to clean energy, work on fish stocks and private capital.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) underscored lack of access to land due to land grabbing as an element of food security, and stated that famine is a human rights issue. Germany said CFS: needs a broader financial base; should proceed in a results-oriented way; and should prepare for the UN reform process. The World Farmers’ Organization (WFO) said policy frameworks must focus more on resilience of food and farming systems, including investments for climate change adaptation.

Joint UN Programme on HIV and AIDS (UN AIDS) recognized the link between improving FSN and enhancing HIV treatment and prevention. International Development Law Organization drew attention to the rule of law as a part of the humanitarian agenda and eradicating systemic barriers.

Final Outcome: In the report, the CFS:

• takes note of the SOFI’s contribution to monitoring the FSN targets of the 2030 Agenda;
• expresses concern that, for the first time since 2003, the number of chronically undernourished people in the world has increased, up to 815 million from 777 million in 2015, which, together with rising rates of overweight and obesity, means the world is not on track to achieve SDG 2 and other targets of the 2030 Agenda related to FSN;
• recognizes that conflict, climate change and protracted crises are drivers of situations of severe food crises and that hunger and undernutrition are significantly worse where conflicts are prolonged and institutional capacities are weak;
• calls on all stakeholders to accelerate efforts to address the root causes of devastation and suffering;
• recognizes that international action should address immediate needs and contribute to the recovery, sustainability and resilience of societies; and
• encourages all stakeholders to use and apply CFS policy products, in particular the CFS Framework for Action for Food Security and Nutrition in Protected Crisis.

LESSONS LEARNED IN IMPLEMENTING THE 2030 AGENDA: Delegates viewed a video on the Guna Yala indigenous community, one of the first indigenous peoples in Latin America to create a secretariat for food security and a plan up to 2025. Thomas Gass, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), moderated the panel discussion. He underscored the complex nature of the SDGs and the relevance of intergovernmental fora in their review at HLPF.

Mitiku Tesso, Ethiopia, highlighted national efforts to streamline the SDGs including: commitment to devolution; increased accountability; building farmers’ capacity to use technologies; and enhancing policy linkages. Tui Pumpajaya, Indonesia, underscored mainstreaming SDGs into the national development policies and cooperation with NGOs to achieve national ownership of the 2030 Agenda.

Luigi de Chiara, Italy, said integration and coherence across sectors are key to achieve the 2030 Agenda, underlining coordination within public administration and mobilization and dialogue with civil society. Katarina Eriksson, Tetra Laval, said initiatives fostering public-private partnerships require making the business case for demand, starting by developing existing local resources, avoiding overinvestment, and focusing on smallholder producers.

Several countries shared efforts, experiences and lessons learned in implementing the 2030 Agenda, including: the importance of CFS products for “leaving no one behind”; CFS’ role for governments; smallholders’ need for education and expertise to increase incomes; and the importance of policy convergence, political leadership and multi-sector approaches.

Participants also noted implementation challenges, such as: conflict undermining progress on all SDGs; gaps in participation; corporate concentration; and promotion of technological fixes while ignoring the root causes of problems.

Several suggested tools for implementation, including: agroecology; building national data capacity for SDG monitoring; empowering producers to drive implementation on the ground; and sharing lessons learned to support implementation and accountability.

Responding to comments, panelists suggested: strengthening collaboration to reduce finance limitations; using policy frameworks such as the VGGT; inviting other UN agencies to the CFS Plenary to discuss linkages between SDG 2 and other SDGs; and providing opportunities to smallholders to grow so that they can compete with other producers.

In his summary, David Nabarro, former Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on the 2030 Agenda, said the discussion showed that 2030 Agenda: works as a plan for our planet and its future; stimulates inclusive local conversations; and requires novel ways of thinking and measuring success and overcoming suspicions about partnerships. Participants then adopted the conclusions presented by Chair Gornass.

Final Outcome: In the meeting report, the CFS:

• welcomes the lessons presented by volunteer countries on their national experiences in achieving the SDGs related to food security, nutrition and sustainable agriculture, in particular:
• recognizes the diversity of approaches to promote inclusive implementation and ownership of SDGs;
• notes remaining challenges, such as: addressing all forms of malnutrition; supporting small-scale food producers to adopt sustainable practices; improving the sustainability of the food systems; and addressing regional and rural inequalities and the lack of rural infrastructure.

CFS further acknowledges the lessons shared in countries on political leadership and effective partnerships and renews its call to countries to apply CFS products to achieve the SDGs.

CFS CONTRIBUTION TO HLPF 2018:On Monday afternoon, Chair Gornass presented draft decision CFS 2017/44/2. Chair OEWG-SDGs, Willem Olthof (EU), suggested that preparing a contribution to the HLPF a year in advance could be challenging as critical issues might be left behind, and stated that Plenary should give guidance to inform the process to ensure there is adequate consultation with Members.

On the 2017 HLPF review, UNDESA said the CFS contribution stood out amongst input from other intergovernmental bodies, noting CFS’ value for regional fora and international dialogues. Many drew attention to the need to update the proposed recommendations to the HLPF in view of the 2017 SOFI Report’s findings. CSM requested reiterating the urgency of the worsening situation concerning SDG 2. He also suggested connecting CFS’ work with the preparation of voluntary national reviews (VNRs). PSM suggested that CFS align its work with that of the HLPF. Switzerland said CFS adds value regarding interlinkages between SDG 2 and other SDGs.

On the CFS’ contribution to the 2018 review, Switzerland, Africa, CSM and others supported the recommendations proposed. On achieving both food and energy security, the US, Brazil and Argentina raised concerns regarding possible competition between biofuel crops and food crops. Brazil highlighted a lack of balance regarding the challenges that biofuels present. Brazil and Argentina proposed strengthening language on the relevance of Youth, women and smallholders.

Delegates agreed that CFS’ key messages for the 2018 HLPF should be updated based on CFS 44 discussions, including pending resolution concerning text on biofuels and latest international data and reports on FSN.

The Russian Federation, the US, Switzerland and others requested emphasizing that the process to prepare the CFS contribution to HLPF be open and inclusive. Delegates agreed to emphasize that CFS inputs to HLPF are to be developed “in an inclusive process.”

Final Outcome: In the report, CFS: notes the 2017 HLPF Ministerial Declaration reiterating the role of sustainable food systems in eradicating poverty and hunger, which makes reference to key messages promoted by CFS and the RBAs.

The CFS also:

• reiterates its commitment to step up efforts to promote CFS policy recommendations use;
• endorses document CFS/2017/44/2 as the basis for the CFS contribution to 2018 HLPF review, noting that it should be updated with the outcomes of CFS 44 discussions, including pending resolution of the paragraph on biofuels and latest international data on FSN, including SOFI 2017, for finalization by the Bureau after consultation with the Advisory Group;
• decides to send inputs to the 2019 HLPF review and present a contribution for CFS 45 consideration, to be developed through an inclusive process; and
• encourages all CFS stakeholders to increase their coordinated engagement in the follow-up of the 2030 Agenda.

CFS AND NUTRITION

LAUNCH OF HLPE REPORT ON NUTRITION AND FOOD SYSTEMS: On Tuesday morning, Jessica Fanzo, HLPE Project Team Leader, outlined findings and policy recommendations of the HLPE Report on Nutrition and Food Systems (CFS 2017/44/Inf.16). On barriers to improving nutrition through food systems, she referenced the failure to recognize the right to adequate food, imbalance of power across food systems, and inability to mitigate conflicts of interest. She outlined priorities for action in food supply chains and across food environments, such as public procurement systems, trade policies, placement and branding, and guidelines for food safety. Patrick Caron, HLPE Chair highlighted two priorities: to improve physical and economic access to healthy and sustainable diets and improve consumer information and education.

Participants welcomed the report as a useful starting point for developing policy convergence, with many supporting the development of voluntary guidelines. Member countries outlined national experiences with nutrition policies, including: school feeding programmes, support for pregnant and breast-feeding women; biofortified foods; reduced use of antimicrobials; taxes and subsidies; and labeling.

Several participants stressed the need for multi-sectoral approaches, including all relevant stakeholders and the need to address power imbalances among them. Switzerland said conflicts of interests must be identified. PSM supported balanced measures to identify conflicts of interest but cautioned against including “perceived conflicts of interest” among them.

The Near East, stressed support for implementation in developing countries. Estonia, for the EU (the EU) emphasized food loss and waste. Brazil said the report shows that all countries are affected by malnutrition. CSM called for better access to information by traditional communities and underlined their right to free prior informed consent (free PIC) regarding food systems. Chile underlined the need for transparent nutritional information and urged to prohibit promoting unhealthy food to children.

Venezuela said food systems should focus on consumer needs not corporate interests. Norway proposed reflecting the role of the ocean for food systems. Sudan noted challenges in monitoring due to lack of indicators and technical expertise. Canada urged recognizing the multiple roles of women in nutrition.

WHO reported on its work on developing nutrition guidelines on labeling, fiscal instruments and trade and investments. FAO outlined areas for additional synergies in implementation, including FSN in the context of protracted crises, urbanization, and climate change and climate induced migration. Mexico encouraged distributing the report through FAO’s country offices.

Discussions continued Tuesday afternoon, with Argentina cautioning that a proposed analysis of impacts of trade on food systems should not lead to trade distortions. Cuba underlined the importance of a fair-trade regime. CSM urged promoting the interests of the most vulnerable and all women’s rights, not only in their role as caregivers.

PSM asked other stakeholders to join “visionary partnerships” to realize business’ potential to contribute to addressing hunger. WFO stated that raising small farmers’ incomes is the best way to improve their dietary status, urging more research in this regard. UN AIDS highlighted the link between access to food and HIV risk explaining that girls receiving food aid are 60% less likely to engage in sexual transactions.

The International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems noted that agroecological food systems yield better nutrition outcomes than industrial food systems. UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) stressed, among other issues: the importance of indigenous food systems for “leaving no one behind”; their dietary diversity building on traditional knowledge; and the need for protections against land right violations and other disruptions.

UPDATE ON REPORTING ON ICN 2 OUTCOMES: On Tuesday afternoon, Anna Lartey, FAO, presented on the ICN 2 outcomes; the framework for action and the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition 2016-2025 (CFS 2017/44/Inf.17).

Chizuru Nishida, WHO, highlighted that national funding has only focused on undernutrition, noting that an additional US$7 billion per year is needed to fully achieve all global nutrition targets endorsed by the World Health Assembly (WHA) in 2012. She explained that implementation requires: integrating nutrition objectives in intersectoral policies; policy coherence; and preventing conflicts of interests when integrating the private sector in policy making.

Ecuador and Brazil highlighted that their countries have presented objectives that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) in the context of the UN Decade, with Brazil requesting mentioning this in the CFS 44 report.

Africa recommended establishing a trust fund to assist governments in translating the outcomes of ICN 2 into action. The EU supported monitoring policies in the context of the UN Decade. PSM stressed the need for increased cooperation by IFAD, UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and WFP with the private sector, and the importance of integrating nutrition into development policies.

Switzerland noted the need to further integrate nutrition into national sectoral policies and plans. Sudan emphasized protection for land ownership. CSM called for attention to the health impact of industrialized food, and proposed that the UN Decade use a rights-based approach and a joint UN nutrition strategy.

WFP presented its expertise in emergency preparedness and planning. CSM drew attention to the UN Declaration on Human Rights and encouraged delegates to implement the VGGTs. WFO said that investing in enhanced yields has improved both nutrition and incomes. UN AIDS underscored the importance of access to nutrition in improving outcomes for children born to HIV positive mothers.

Gerda Verburg, Coordinator of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, called nutrition a “maker and a marker for development” and stressed implementation at the country level. She offered that the SUN Movement collaborate with CFS at the country level. Norway requested that countries be encouraged to draw on CFS policy guidance in the work for the UN Decade. Cuba suggested including a linkage with the 2030 Development Agenda.

GOOD PRACTICES AND LESSON SHARING FOR IMPROVED NUTRITION: On Tuesday afternoon, Chair Gornass opened this interactive panel session, moderated by Lucy Hockings, international journalist.

Katerina Eriksson, Tetra Laval, reported on a private sector initiative to create a secure market for subsistence milk producers to enable them to increase their production. She said the programme also provides technical assistance to school feeding programmes and other dairy customers to stimulate investment in smallholder milk. Lister Katsvairo, HarvestPlus, outlined the application of biofortification to improve local crops using nutrient-rich varieties. He noted that nine countries and 4.5 million households are using biofortification, which is also being used for livestock feed.

Lorena Rodríguez, Ministry of Health, Chile underlined her country’s approach to addressing the food environment, including enhancing food labeling transparency, applying taxes on food with high sugar content, and analyzing the amount of time children spend receiving marketing in school. Zafar Hasan, Pakistan, discussed his country’s food system model, led by the SUN Secretariat, which provides food subsidies for specialized nutritious food based on poverty levels. He highlighted that the private sector has been encouraged to produce specialized nutritious food.

Salvatore Basile, International Network of Eco-Regions, presented an organic farming initiative harnessing local multi-level governance to support measures such as linking procurement by schools to local organic farmers. Elizabeth Mpofu, Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers Forum, emphasized the importance of local agroecology saying local meetings enable women, even if illiterate, to exchange knowledge, and that to “use what is around” us is key to building healthy food systems.

Responding to questions from participants, Rodríguez described intersectoral and multi-stakeholder mechanisms, such as citizen dialogue in schools, student debates, and committees to involve farmers and economic actors and the health care sector.

Hasan recommended investing in models that have proven successful, focusing on local production and recognizing the important role of the private sector in producing fortified food. Eriksson underscored that healthy food systems are based on value chains where all stakeholders benefit. Katsvairo recommended educating communities on market aspects of crops and policies favoring crops that are nutrient dense or biofortified where communities do not have access to a diverse diet.

On markets for specialized nutritious food, Hasan said public investment and support may be essential at initial stages to help establish a market that then will demand such a type of food. On land tenure, Basile highlighted the critical situation of access to land for the Youth in Europe, underscoring initiatives in public land to involve Youth and women in land-related activities.

On diversity of food impacts, Katsvairo clarified that biofortification is a complementary measure to increase the nutrient content of crops that are already consumed by rural populations. Highlighting the sizeable portion of food produced by small-holders, Mpofu called for capacity building, particularly for rural women, and for giving priority to the voices of civil society organizations. Rodriguez said when nutrition issues affect women and children national governments have a responsibility to act with strong measures.

CFS ADVANCING NUTRITION INCLUDING THE DECADE OF ACTION ON NUTRITION: Khaled El Taweel (Egypt), Chair of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on Nutrition, presented on the CFS contribution to collective efforts under the framework of the UN Decade. He requested guidance on priority areas for policy convergence on nutrition and the nature of the products that should result from the discussions.

Many countries supported the continuation of the OEWG-Nutrition and developing TORs for consideration at CFS 45 in 2018.

On priority areas for policy convergence, the EU suggested: improving food environment for healthy diets; nutrition education considering social and cultural conditions; and mother and child nutrition. GRULAC stressed a human rights-based food system, all forms of malnutrition, gender, and regulatory and fiscal measures. He proposed taking the Rome Declaration on World Food Security into consideration. Ecuador supported further strengthening work on malnutrition. Africa emphasized gender equality, women’s empowerment and human rights.

Cuba and the Philippines supported developing regional approaches. The US supported more evidence and information exchange on processes that influence diets. PSM prioritized stunting and wasting, the role of women, and said implementation must be economically self-sustaining and not dependent on official development assistance. WFO emphasized the need to coordinate policies with farmers.

The Russian Federation said the OEWG should work based on consensus. Australia supported a more integrated multi-stakeholder approach. The UN System Standing Committee on Nutrition (UN SCN) called for coordination between CFS and the WHA. WHO supported CFS implementing recommendations put forward by the HLPE and designing and implementing policy actions and regulatory measurements. Several countries supported that the outcome document reflect support for the development of voluntary guidelines on food systems and nutrition.

El-Tawheel concluded that the consensus was for OEWG to continue its mandate.

Final Outcome: In the report, the CFS, inter alia:

• takes note of the findings of the HLPE report and its call to action;
• considers, among other actions, elaborating voluntary guidelines on improved food environments for healthy diets;
• recommends that subsequent policy convergence in CFS on nutrition is supported by the scientific evidence provided in the report;
• recognizes the importance of using and promoting CFS policy guidance in supporting country efforts and that CFS will continue to provide a platform for global coordination and policy coherence and convergence;
• encourages all stakeholders to step up efforts in accordance with the Work Programme of the UN Decade;
• reiterates its request to FAO and WHO to periodically update CFS on further progress in ICN 2 implementation;
• recommends that the progress report on Follow-up to ICN2 (CFS 2017/44/INF/17) inform upcoming CFS policy convergence work;
• mandates the OEWG on nutrition to develop TORs for the policy convergence process leading to voluntary guidelines for food systems and nutrition for submission to CFS 45.

POLICY CONVERGENCE

SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY FOR FOOD AND NUTRITION: Terry Sunderland, HLPE, introduced the Report on Sustainable Forestry for Food security and Nutrition and its recommendations (CFS 2017/44/5 and INF/20), highlighting the need to promote the contribution of forests to improve livelihoods and multifunctional landscapes.

Akram Chehayeb, Chair of the FAO Committee on Forestry (COFO), welcomed the recommendations, underscoring cross-sectoral policy coordination, capacity building and stakeholder involvement to integrate food security, nutrition and agriculture in forestry objectives. Presenting the draft recommendations, François Pythoud (Switzerland), Rapporteur of the CFS policy convergence process on forestry, highlighted the balance achieved to target forest, sustainable forest management and agriculture aspects in their relation to FSN.

Many Members welcomed the recommendations, discussing national experiences in promoting FSN together with forest protection. The US, the EU, CSM and others lamented the lack of sufficient time for the process for policy convergence.

The CSM expressed concern regarding the process’ low level of participation, the non-inclusive nature of the negotiations, and the lack of consideration of civil society proposals. She underscored the lack of consideration of the relevant impact that commercial plantations can have for forest-dependent peoples and local communities. She opposed references that relate to the commoditization of forests, noting these are incoherent with a human rights approach. Supported by Bangladesh, Germany, France and Egypt, CSM proposed holding specific discussions on key pending issues, particularly on the relation of commercial plantations with FSN.

Germany and France cautioned against reopening discussions on agreed recommendations. The US opposed holding a meeting on pending issues and preferred referring to “pending issues” in general rather than singling out “commercial plantations.” The UNPFII underscored the importance of commercial plantations and food security in the context of conflicts, particularly those affecting indigenous peoples. Members eventually agreed to consider a meeting with the RBAs to discuss the relation between commercial plantations and FSN, recognizing that this issue was not sufficiently discussed during the policy convergence process.

PSM said the potential for the forest sector to play a greater role in FSN could be strengthened with further public and private investment and more attention to policy-making. The US suggested referring to free PIC “as applicable.” UNFPII said forest management must draw on indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge and free PIC must be respected as stated by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

The EU, with Norway, highlighted the key role of women’s participation and the need to enhance their access to and control of resources for production. The EU proposed that CFS Secretariat map the cross references among the recommendations and relevant SDGs.

Final Outcome: In the report, CFS endorses the recommendations and notes that CFS outcomes will be considered by COFO 2018. CFS: encourages its Bureau to consider a meeting to discuss relevant policy convergence; requests the Secretariat to map the recommendations with relevant SDGs; and encourages that forwarding the recommendations to the FAO Committee on Agriculture (COAG), COFO, HLPF, the UN Forum on Forests, and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The recommendations acknowledge that sustainable agriculture, food security and improved nutrition cannot be achieved at the expense of forests and better coordination of land use policies is needed.

In its recommendations, CFS:

• acknowledges the importance of, raises awareness on, and encourages strengthening of, the role of forests and trees to the four dimensions of FSN;
• develops and uses policy-relevant knowledge and data on the contributions of forests and trees to FSN;
• plans to develop, implement and monitor policies for integrated agriculture and forest management for improved and sustainable FSN;
• encourages States to, inter alia: promote an integrated approach, develop and promote participatory policies and management planning and measures that enhance access to nutritionally important forest food products for indigenous peoples, local communities and smallholders; and to provide incentives for the provision of forest-based ecosystem services that benefit sustainable agriculture and FSN;
• encourages stakeholders to, inter alia, promote a nutrition-sensitive approach; and
• promotes the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines on the Progressive Realization of the Right to Adequate Food in the Context of National Food Security and the VGGT.

OUTCOMES OF THE FORUM ON WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT FOR FSN: On Wednesday afternoon, Chair Gornass presented the outcomes of the intersessional forum held on 25 September 2017 (CFS 2017/44/7, CFS 2017/44/Inf.21).

Keynote speaker, Helen Hakena, Leitana Nehan Women’s Development Agency, Papua New Guinea, addressed the importance of women to own and govern land, the strain of climate change on women’s ability to make a living on agriculture. She underlined that food security requires nutritional empowerment of women. She said collective power among women is essential for long term sustainable solutions and question whether we need more prosperity or “fairer prosperity.”

Many participants voiced support for the outcomes of the Forum, with the Russian Federation urging that CFS maintain a balanced approach to gender issues in its work. PSM underlined that women are the backbone of rural economy. CSM stressed the importance of including the gender perspective early in the policy process. Slovakia and UN AIDS emphasized the importance of engaging men and boys in gender equality discussions. OHCHR said it is essential to go beyond empowerment and achieve legal and enforceable human rights. The UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food cautioned against categorizing women as part of vulnerable groups. Several participants advocated for monitoring progress on this goal.

Final Outcome: In the report, CFS takes note of the Forum’s outcomes (CFS 2017/44/7) and:

• draws attention to the need for governments to stand behind their commitments to ensure the equal rights of men and women, boys and girls in the context of FSN by translating those commitments into national policies, programmes, investments and adequate human and financial resources;
• highlights the need to work towards implementing the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; and
• emphasizes the importance of mainstreaming gender equality, women’s and girls’ rights and women’s empowerment in the context of FSN in all CFS workstreams, products and documents.

URBANIZATION, RURAL TRANSFORMATION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR FSN: On Thursday afternoon, Hans Hoogeveen (the Netherlands), OEWG-Urbanization Chair, updated participants on intersessional work (CFS 2017/44/6), highlighting agreement to hold two intersessional events in 2018.

Asia supported that policy products be developed based on different country circumstances and balance the concerns of diverse stakeholders. Many supported a multi-sectoral and multi-level approach to further intersessional work towards policy convergence. Others also drew attention to the impact of urban-rural dynamics on low-revenue people, women and Youth.

Africa supported analyzing interdependent systems and called for more country experiences to strengthen a database of cases. Afghanistan called for further research on, inter alia: inclusive approaches to enhance rural-urban interconnection; national spatial strategies; impacts of infrastructure on rural outmigration; and policies to safeguard urban population. The EU suggested addressing the urbanization with a focus on: gender issues, involving Youth, territorial approaches and urban planning. Germany suggested seeking synergies with the OEWG-Nutrition and the HLPE.

 CSM highlighted the fundamental role of agroecological food systems, particularly to increase opportunities for women and Youth, calling for building knowledge from the grassroots. PSM supported further research on talent development, particularly of Youth. IFAD recommended a people-centered approach focused on small-holder farmers, the landless poor, rural Youth and women.

FAO highlighted territorial approaches and focus on broad food systems. WFO said farmers are key in rural-urban dynamics and should be included throughout the decision-making process at all political levels, noting that efficiency in agriculture is key for vibrant rural areas. UNPFII indicated that indigenous peoples are among the most vulnerable actors and often forced to migrate to urban areas. OHCHR stated that human rights abuse and land grabbing are among the main drivers of rural outmigration, affecting particularly women.

OEWG-Urbanization Chair Hoogeveen then moderated a panel discussion on rural-urban linkages. Marco Sánchez Cantillo, FAO, reported on recent research in FAO’s SOFI 2017 report showing that successful inclusive transformation requires investments in food systems, including agricultural industry, access to input and output markets, and social protection; and noted it should be based on a territorial focus strengthening rural-urban linkages, especially with smaller rural towns.

HRH Princess Viktória de Bourbon de Parme, the Netherlands, asked participants to reflect on two statements on rural-urban linkages. Most participants agreed to the statement that local authorities should be responsible to help citizens stay healthy, noting that responsibility is shared among administrations at all levels. On the statement that urban farms can feed cities, participants noted that although urban farms can make important contributions to FSN, they cannot feed cities alone. They also said that urban farms are useful for education, which is especially important to promote agriculture among Youth.

Ankit Katrawa, Feeding India, said he established his organization in 2015 after observing food waste at a wedding. He reported that his organization has saved up to US$7.5 million worth of food and is using this food to serve 9 million meals. It uses mobile technologies to collect surplus food from restaurants, offices and events, and then distributes the food through its network. He called for faster, bolder and scaled-up action to reduce hunger and achieve the SDGs.

Nono Dimakatso, Sekhoto Farmer, South Africa, explained that her father’s access to land, together with government support, allowed her to have a career in agriculture. She said farmers need access to the skills and knowledge of Youth and barriers to Youth’s access to farming must be reduced.

Final Outcome: In the report, CFS:

• takes note of the thematic areas identified as entry points to addressing FSN in the context of rural-urban linkages;
• takes note of the OEWG outcomes requiring further attention, including: impacts on the most vulnerable and lower income groups; promoting Youth and women’s engagement and employment in food systems; development of a vision for food systems; and local and regional governance of FSN and the role of small/intermediate cities; and
• agrees to hold two intersessional events to determine at CFS 45 the feasibility of working towards policy convergence.

CFS WORKSTREAMS AND ACTIVITY UPDATES

CFS MULTI-YEAR PROGRAMME OF WORK (MYPOW) FOR 2018-2019: Mafizur Rahman (Bangladesh), OEWG-MYPoW Chair, introduced the MYPoW (CFS 2017/44/8) noting that there is an important funding gap to implement the activities proposed for the 2018-2019 biennium of around US$5 million. Deborah Fulton, CFS Secretary, highlighted the gap in budget, in particular for the work of the HLPE and the involvement of CSM.

Many Members expressed concern about the need to find a balance between financial resources and the prioritization of activities for the MYPoW. The US stressed the need to prioritize activities and said no more than one HLPE report should be presented per year. PSM called for concentrating on topics of importance for all stakeholders and stressed the relevance of agriculture in marginal areas.

Switzerland called for other CFS Members to become donors. CSM urged to address the chronic budget gap to allow civil society participation. He requested Members to contribute in accordance with their capacity, and to prioritize policy convergence. He expressed concern over the limited openness to CSM inputs, which can result in preventing the debate on relevant controversial issues.

CSM, supported by Canada, requested that the outcomes of the CFS Forum on Women’s Empowerment be mainstreamed in the MYPoW.

Final Outcome: In the report, CFS endorses the draft decision contained in CFS 2017/44/8 Rev. 1, thereby adopting the MYPoW for 2018-2019. The CFS also:

• takes note of the second note prepared by the HLPE on Critical and Emerging Issues for Food Security and Nutrition; and
• reiterates the importance of follow-up to the CFS Evaluation, the need to avoid launching new workstreams before existing ones concluded, and that HLPE reports be limited to one per year.

GLOBAL STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK (GSF): On Wednesday evening, Chair Gornass opened discussion on the GSF (CFS 2017/44/9 and 10/Rev.1) with a short outreach video produced by the Secretariat.

Fernanda Mansur Tansini (Brazil), OEWG-GSF Chair, said this is the first periodic update carried out by CFS, and noted that it updates the GSF references to both the SDGs and the Paris Agreement.

The GSF was endorsed with many participants praising its online accessibility and encouraging its broad dissemination.

Final Outcome: In the report, CFS: endorses the revised GSF; invites the OEWG-MYPoW to consider if a new periodic update is needed; and encourages all stakeholders to facilitate use of the GSF.

MONITORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CFS: This item (CFS 2017/44/11) was discussed on Wednesday evening with Chair Gornass recalling the sequence of Global Thematic Events intended for CFS 45 (Progressive Realization of the Right to Adequate Food), CFS 47 (Framework for Action for Food Security and Nutrition in Protracted Crises), CFS 49 (CFS-RAI) as opportunities to share experiences and take stock of experiences and good practices.

The EU supported an inclusive monitoring system and highlighted the role of the RBAs in monitoring. Switzerland supported the outcomes on monitoring and announced its plan to commission an in-depth study assessing the uptake of CFS policies at the national level.

Brazil underlined the need to improve strategies to reach specific groups. She also announced Brazil’s initiative to a hold a voluntary event to monitor the use of CFS guidelines on the realization of the right to food. Asia stressed the importance for independent monitoring. OHCHR highlighted the need for a monitoring mechanism to hold actors accountable, and ensure that actors do not contribute to human rights abuses. WFO said farmers should be involved in monitoring.

Final Outcome: In the report, CFS endorses the conclusions that outline the approach to monitoring the implementation of CFS main policy products.

The CFS also:

• agrees to hold a Global Thematic Event in Plenary every two years on the main CFS policy products and to consider monitoring other policy recommendations on an ad hoc basis considering their relevance to FSN and resource availability;
• requests the Bureau in consultation with the Advisory Group and the OEWG-Monitoring to oversee preparation of the Global Thematic Event on the Right to Food during CFS 45; and
• recognizes the importance of follow up on previous CFS decisions on monitoring and that the need for and role of the OEWG-Monitoring may be reconsidered.

CFS EVALUATION

On Thursday morning, Angela Bester, CFS Evaluation Manager, presented the report of the independent evaluation of the CFS (CFS/2017/44/INF/23). She highlighted several findings, including: the tenuous linkages between CFS and governments and stakeholders at regional and national levels; low awareness of the GSF; limited dissemination of CFS reports and products, except for the VGGT; and need for clarity of CFS’ role specifically with the RBAs and at the national level.

On CFS processes, she noted that CSM/PSM contributions make CFS unique within the UN but concerns linger about inclusiveness. She stated that there were different views on the composition of the Advisory Group specifically on inclusion of WFO and ad-hoc Members.

On structure, she noted that the role of the Chair vis-à-vis Secretariat is not clearly defined, and also highlighted the unpredictability of funding, delayed contributions of the RBAs. She noted that the Plenary and associated side events were well-attended.

On the reformed CFS, she highlighted that the two-year cycle limits strategic planning, the lack of a framework for monitoring, and low communication at the country level. She further stressed that CFS objectives and vision are unclear to outsiders.

Co-facilitators Khaled El Taweel (Egypt) and Jón Erlingur (Iceland) then presented the proposed response to the evaluation and the suggested Plan of Action leading to CFS 45 (CFS/2017/44/12Rev.1). El-Taweel highlighted the strategic content and revision of the MYPoW, resource mobilization, TOR for the Chair, and composition of the advisory group.

Many proposed clarifying the roles of the CFS Chair, the Bureau and the Advisory Group, bearing in mind the inclusiveness of the Advisory Group, and called for a more streamlined MYPoW and improved focus of intersessional work, including the OEWGs. Several Members also stressed the need to raise CFS’ profile and awareness of its products, to increase impact and relevance of CFS’ work.

Africa expressed concern regarding setting a precedent of trusting the Bureau to appoint members of the Advisory Group. The Philippines stressed the need for: aligning the GSF and MYPoW; funding sustainability; including Youth participation in Plenary; and integrating CFS’ products into agriculture and nutrition curriculums.

The EU underscored the need to: prioritize work; redesign the Secretariat’s role, strengthen engagement of the RBAs; and, supported by others, increase transparency of the HLPE. Switzerland drew attention to developing a resource mobilization strategy and monitoring. The US stressed implementing the Plan of Action and broader stakeholder participation. The Netherlands called for high-profile participation in the Plenary. She also noted that CFS is too dominated by supply-side conversations.

PSM proposed a focus on operationalization of CFS products, and supported the development of strategic objectives that can be broadly communicated. Highlighting the value of CFS’ multi-stakeholder structure for the UN, CSM said CFS must be more responsive to urgent issues. Brazil said MYPoW prioritization should be based on relevance and on the right to adequate food. Noting that intersessional work is overwhelming, she said the role of regional fora must be addressed.

The Near East, said the brief time frame for implementing evaluation responses was a challenge and suggested that the Bureau explore the need to maintain the OEWG-Monitoring. Canada suggested exploring how CFS can “depolarize” the debates created by its multi-stakeholder approach. She also supported enhancing the value of other actors and fully engaging the RBAs.

Bangladesh called for more involvement of Members in the MYPoW process, and requested the Chair visit countries to improve awareness of CFS on the ground. Noting that CFS is not an implementing body, Hungary said the impact of CFS is the responsibility of Members and stakeholders. FAO drew attention to the high use of the VGGT on the ground, despite the comments in the evaluation on lack of awareness of the CFS, and suggested to review the joint CFS Secretariat and learn more about how RBAs are integrating CFS products into their work.

Norway stressed the importance of considering how to attract high-level participation to Plenary, and suggested limiting reports to one per year and ensuring their high quality. She said side-events are integral to facilitating country-level networking.

WFO requested a permanent seat for WFO on the Advisory Group, noting its balanced representation. CSM cautioned that this would invite conflict with other constituencies who would like that right. IFAD emphasized the role of smallholder farmers in consultations, and expressed its commitment to work with member countries to increase the use of products at country levels.

Sudan suggested that the term of the Chair be expanded beyond two years, and supported increased CFS representation at the country level. PSM supported development of TORs for the Chair and OEWGs, a review of the Secretariat, a resource mobilization strategy and to diversify CFS’ financial base to include the private sector. South Africa noted the need for more effective policy building at the national level. The Netherlands requested the Chair to ask FAO to increase its contribution to CFS.

Final Outcome: In the report, CFS endorses the evaluation report (CFS 2017/44/12 Rev. 1) and requests the Bureau, after consultation with the Advisory Group, to:

• finalize the Plan of Action for consideration and endorsement at CFS 45;
• implement the response to the recommendations not requiring Plenary endorsement and based on indications stated in the report; and
• consider critical and emerging issues in its development of a strategic plan/framework.

CFS further, inter alia:

• decides without setting precedent, that the Bureau may appoint its Advisory Group until March 2018;
• provides guidance to the Bureau that it may consider in its 2018 intersessional work: connecting CFS to the broader political agenda with special regard to 2030 Agenda, a longer term and more strategic approach, application of criteria, identifying ways to promote CFS products, and transparent selection of the HLPE team members.

CRITICAL AND EMERGING ISSUES FOR FSN

On Friday morning, Patrick Caron, Chair of the HLPE Steering Committee, discussed key findings of the HLPE Note on Critical and Emerging Issues (CFS 2017/44/Inf.24), lauding its evidence-based and peer-reviewed perspective and that the process’ inclusiveness is an outcome in itself. He also noted that issues raised span all the SDGs.

He outlined issues, in order of priority: urbanization and rural transformation, including questions of how to feed cities and address changing urban dietary patterns; conflicts and migration, including how food systems should operate in times of conflict; inequalities and vulnerability reduction for FSN, including conflict prevention and gender mainstreaming; and trade impacts on FSN, including true cost of production, power imbalances, and trade strategies that respect national FSN objectives. He noted that by 2050 one in two people are expected to obtain their staple calories from international trade.

Continuing the priority list, he mentioned: agroecology for FSN; agrobiodiversity and genetic resources; food safety and emerging disease, including antimicrobial resistance; technology impacts on FSN; and governance of food systems at multiple levels. On antimicrobial resistance, Caron added that statistics on current food borne illness and deaths are comparable to major infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV and malaria.

Indonesia drew attention to the issue of inequalities and called for an event on smallholder farmers within CFS. Mexico stressed agrobiodiversity and ecosystem services, particularly the role of access to genetic resources and the impact of climate change on biodiversity, requesting an independent report on this topic.

Africa emphasized smallholder farmers’ access to markets and playing a role in development of technologies and innovations. Bangladesh suggested separating “urgent” from those that are relevant but not urgent. He highlighted that conflicts and migration are the most urgent issues now.

Switzerland said CFS should create a separate workstream on inequality or integrate it into all workstreams, also emphasizing the importance of trade. Argentina called for a fact-based analysis of subsidies and tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade underscoring that they are negative externalities which have an impact on FSN. She drew attention to food safety and emerging disease saying future reports should be in accordance with the Codex Alimentarius and consider the One Health approach.

Singapore said trade, food safety and antimicrobial resistance are important. The EU, said the HLPE Note should be relevant to the MYPoW, and that CFS needs to be responsive to critical and emerging issues.

PSM said a young viable livelihood in agriculture is a way to promote food security, and stressed the need for enhancing farming training for the Youth and the role of women and Youth. PSM also highlighted smallholders and their resilience to extreme weather events. Germany suggested improving farmers’ access to relevant markets.

Noting the unprecedented consolidation of corporations from the agriculture and other sectors in the past three years, CSM called for CFS to work on the risks arising from agricultural mega-mergers for FSN. She pointed to the role of technology in allowing mega-mergers to seize control of genetic resources from governments. Brazil, for the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, supported family farming as a topic for further research. WFO highlighted inequality in access to land and natural resources, transforming food systems and multi-partner approaches to knowledge sharing.

HLPE Chair Caron highlighted that the HLPE Note was only another contribution to the debate and welcomed the many suggestions provided by Members and stakeholders on potential emerging issues for future consideration.

Marco Sánchez Cantilo, FAO, presented trends and forecasts for food systems and food security, drawing on the work of FAO to inform future CFS discussions (CFS 2017/44/Inf.25). Afghanistan recommended regionally disaggregated information. CSM said the study indicates that business as usual is not an option, calling for a radical transformation of current food systems.

Final Outcome: In MYPoW section of the CFS 44 report, the Committee takes note of the HLPE Note on Critical and Emerging Issues.

OTHER MATTERS

On Friday, Plenary approved Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Sudan, Switzerland and the US as new Bureau members; and Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Malaysia, Mali, Monaco, Oman, Peru and Yemen as alternates.

Delegates also appointed Mario Arvelo, Dominican Republic, as CFS Chair for the 2018-2019 biennium by acclamation (CFS 2017/44/Inf.26).

CFS Chair Gornass highlighted progress achieved in the past biennium, including in making CFS and its policies better known through her involvement in meetings and outreach activities. On her efforts to foster a CFS sustainable financing mechanism, she highlighted the need to develop a strategy for fundraising.

Incoming CFS Chair Mario Arvelo highlighted two main areas: placing SDG 2 at the center of the global policy attention and providing a platform for proposing concrete solutions to eradicate hunger and malnutrition. Among challenges for CFS in the next biennium he underscored: finding innovative sources of financing; reinforcing CFS impact; expansion of collaboration with actors not fully integrated in CFS; and concluding the evaluation of CFS.

In their closing statements, many Members expressed their appreciation for Gornass’ chairmanship and her achievements in raising the CFS’ profile. The EU, the Russian Federation, and others, reiterated earlier comments recommending continuing efforts to better align MYPoW with the financial resources available; further streamlining Plenary’s proceedings and promoting high-level participation.

GRULAC said the greatest challenges are increasing trends in hunger and CFS budgetary shortages. North American called for focusing on effectiveness and efficient prioritization of financial resources. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation said CFS needs a plan that articulates its vision and overarching goals to better communicate its added value and to mobilize resources. CSM lauded CFS agreement on discussing further commercial tree plantations and a holistic human-rights based approach on nutrition. He expressed concern over insufficient financial resources to implement the upcoming MYPoW. 

CFS Secretary Fulton announced CFS 45 will be held from 15-20 October 2018, in Rome, and include the celebration of World Food Day on Tuesday 16 October 2018.

Drafting Committee Chair Khaled El Taweel, presented the report of the meeting (CFS 44 Draft Report), which was adopted by acclamation.

CFS Chair Gornass closed the meeting at 5:02 pm.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

World Food Day: Held under the theme ‘Change the Future of Migration. Invest in Food Security and Rural Development’ 2017 World Food Day will be marked by events around the world. At FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva will be joined by Pope Francis and Ministers of Agriculture attending the Group of Seven (G7) for the official ceremony, along with EU Commissioner Phil Hogan and the Heads of IFAD and WFP.   date: 16 October 2017   location: global   contact: FAO phone: +39 06 57051   email: FAO-HQ@fao.org  www: http://www.fao.org/world-food-day/2016/home/en/ 

WHO Global Conference on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): The conference will provide guidance on how to reach SDG target 3.4 (premature mortality from NCDs), launch a set of new country-level initiatives to reduce premature mortality from NCDs, exchange national experiences in enhancing policy coherence, and highlight the health sector.   dates: 18-20 October 2017   location: Montevideo, Uruguay   contact: WHO   email: policycoherence2017@who.int  www: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/events/2017/ncd-global-conference/en/ 

EAT Asia-Pacific Food Forum: Co-hosted by EAT Foundation and the Indonesian Ministry of Health, this Forum plans to discuss progress on transforming the food system, including sharing best policy and industry practices. The event will bring together over 500 global leaders from business, policy, science and civil society sectors. dates: 30-31 October 2017   location: Jakarta, Indonesia   contact: EAT Partner Team   email: dag@eatforum.org   www: http://www.eatforum.org/event/asia-pacific-food-forum/

ITPGR GB 7: Held under the theme ‘The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Role of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture,’ the meeting will address, among other issues: the possibility of expanding and enhancing the basket of crops exchanged through the Treaty’s Multilateral System, and the review of its Funding Strategy.   dates: 20 October - 2 November 2017   location: Kigali, Rwanda   contact: FAO   email: pgrfa-treaty@fao.org  www: http://www.fao.org/plant-treaty/seventh-governing-body/en/ 

International Consultation on Science, Technology and Innovation in the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Health-Related Goals: Co-organized by UN DESA, the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), and UNDP’s RIO+ Centre in Brazil, this meeting’s objective is to strengthen the capacity of public-health sector stakeholders in Brazil and other developing countries on harnessing science, technology and innovation for the achievement of health-related SDGs.   dates: 6-8 November 2017    location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil   contact: UNDP Rio+ Centre   email: freire@un.org 

International Technical Conference on Climate Change, Agriculture, Trade and Food Security: The conference will explore the linkages between climate change, agricultural trade and food security. dates: 15-17 November 2017   location: FAO Headquarters Rome, Italy   contact: FAO  phone: +39 06 57051    email: CCT-Conference@fao.org   www: http://www.fao.org/economic/est/est-events-new/climatetrade/en/

3rd International Conference on Global Food Security: This conference will feature five core themes reflecting an integrated approach to food security, including: food creation; food safety and bio security; food loss and waste; food in a changing society; and food utilization.  dates: 3-6 December 2017  location: Cape Town, South Africa  contact: Elsevier  www: http://www.globalfoodsecurityconference.com/ 

2018 Global Forum for Food and Agriculture: Organized by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture of Germany, this Forum focuses on central questions concerning the future of the global agri-food industry. The 2017 theme is ‘Shaping the Future of Livestock – sustainably, responsibly, efficiently.’dates: 18-20 January 2017   location: Berlin, Germany   contact: GFFA Secretariat   email: info@gffa-berlin.de  www: http://www.gffa-berlin.de 

71st World Health Assembly: The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of the WHO. dates: 21-26 May 2018   location: Geneva, Switzerland   contact: WHO   email:  www: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/events/governance/wha/en/

Sixth Session of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) 2018: HLPF 2018 convening under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The meeting will undertake an in-depth review of: SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), and SDG 15 (life on land). Goal 17 (Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development) is also considered each year. In addition, 48 countries are expected to present their Voluntary National Reviews.   dates: 9-18 July 2018   location: New York City, US   contact: UN DESA   www: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/hlpf/2018

CFS 45: The 45th session of CFS will continue discussions on policy convergence on FSN in the context of the 2030 Agenda, and convene a Global Thematic Event on the Voluntary Guidelines to Support the Progressive Realization of the Right to Adequate Food in the Context of National Food Security; and celebrate World Food Day.   dates: 15-20 October 2018 location: Rome, Italy   contact: CFS Secretariat   email: cfs@fao.org  www: http://www.fao.org/cfs/cfs-home/en/