Chinanews.com, Beijing, October 15

On the 15th, Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, emphasized in his signed article that global food security faces severe challenges and urgently needs to promote the transformation of the agricultural food system.

　　Qu Dongyu pointed out that the new crown epidemic is still raging around the world, causing immeasurable losses and huge difficulties.

Global food security is also facing unprecedented severe challenges.

　　"However, the crisis is organic, and an encouraging new momentum is gaining momentum. We are working hard to promote in-depth changes in food production, storage, circulation and consumption methods, to meet the above challenges, and at the same time to improve the relevant structure to further meet the needs of all Need." He wrote in the article.

　　He pointed out that the United Nations Food System Summit held last month outlined the world's ambitious plan for the transformation of the agricultural food system.

The summit came to an end with the slogan "From New York to Rome", that is, to return to the headquarters of FAO and its sister food and agriculture organizations of the United Nations to implement various goals.

　　He said that at present, FAO has taken the lead in implementing and promoting the transformation.

For example, at the beginning of this month, the groundbreaking World Food Forum was successfully held in Rome, the capital of Italy, to stimulate the creativity and resilience of the young generation.

　　But establishing a sound agricultural food system is not only the responsibility of the youth.

He said that the epidemic has exposed the fragility of the world's agricultural food system.

Even before the outbreak, hundreds of millions of people around the world had no food to eat, and this number increased to 811 million last year.

At the same time, the food produced globally is enough to feed everyone.

　　In addition, 14% of the world’s food production suffered losses and 17% was wasted.

"In order to meet the world's growing food demand, it is necessary to overcome various challenges such as pests and diseases, natural disasters, biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, and conflicts. At the same time, we should also reduce the adverse effects of the agricultural food system on the environment and climate." Qu Dongyu said.

　　As the lead agency responsible for food and agriculture in the United Nations system, FAO has developed a series of tools to promote the resolution of many such complex systemic problems.

　　He pointed out that FAO has launched a new version of the "2022-2031 Strategic Framework" for the next ten years, clarifying the practical actions to be carried out and the required input elements, in order to achieve "better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better life". "Consolidate the foundation and let no one be left behind.

　　FAO estimates that to eradicate hunger by 2030, US$40 to 50 billion will be invested in targeted interventions every year.

Many low-cost, high-efficiency projects can help hundreds of millions of people further meet their own food needs.

　　For example, targeted research and development, improved agricultural technology, digital agricultural innovation, and increased women’s literacy rate can significantly reduce hunger.

But many other key factors are also indispensable, such as improving data, governance, and related systems.

　　In addition, working hand-in-hand with the government and important partners is also the only magic weapon for success, "because our partners are well versed in their own national conditions and can adapt to local conditions to create a transition path suitable for their own countries."

　　He said that relying solely on scientists, government officials, or food producers and sellers alone cannot achieve all the much-needed changes.

　　"The first step in transformation can and must start with ordinary consumers, starting with the pragmatic actions and choices of each of us. From choosing the type of food, to choosing where to purchase, from packaging, to whether to discard food, our daily consumption Decisions affect the agricultural food system and the future of the world." Qu Dongyu said.

　　"Every one of us has the potential to become a food hero. Action creates the future. Starting from you and me, starting from the dots, we will promote the transformation of the agricultural food system, help the world eliminate hunger, achieve healthy diets, prevent environmental damage, and eliminate waste." He said.

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