News – Pre- and Post Summit

This page was last updated on March 27, 2023.

  • Policy Seminar on “Science and Innovation for Food Systems Transformation – follow up to the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit” in cooperation with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
    The former Scientific Group for the UN Food Systems Summit 2021 and the International Food Policy Institute (IFPRI) were jointly holding a Policy Seminar on, “Science and Innovation for Food System Transformation – follow up to the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit”. The hybrid event took place on April 11, 2023 – from 9:30 to 11:00 AM EDT. The video, podcast, and presentations are now…
  • New publication on “UN Food Systems Summit 2021 – What Role Science and Innovation in the Summit and in Countries’ Plans and Why?”
    by Joachim von Braun, ZEF Discussion Paper no. 325, Bonn 2023. [ Download ]
  • Open Access Volume, “Science and Innovations for Food Systems Transformation” Published
    An open access volume, “Science and Innovations for Food Systems Transformation” co-edited by the former chairperson Joachim von Braun and the vice chairpersons of the Scientific Group Kaosar Afsana, Louise O. Fresco, Mohamed Hag Ali Hassan is now published. The volume includes fifty (50) original, peer-reviewed chapters by the members of the Scientific Group and its research partners. The chapters provide science- and research-based, state-of-the-art,…
  • Podcast with Joachim von Braun on TABLE – the global platform for knowledge synthesis, for reflective, critical thinking and for inclusive dialogue on debates about the future of food
    The former Chair of the Scientific Group for the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit, lays out the importance of an inclusive process and multi-disciplinary scientific collaboration to meet the calls for food system transformation. Dr von Braun joins us to talk about his experience as Chair, what he sees as the successes of the summit, and what work remains to be done. We also discuss…
  • Africa-Americas Ministerial Summit on Agrifood Systems
    Africa and Latin America followed up to the UN Food Systems Summit with a significant Africa-Americas Ministerial Summit on Agrifood Systems. The conference was co-organized by AGRA and IICA. Press releases (Spanish, English and Portuguese versions) are available athttps://iicaint-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/randall_cordero_iica_int/EYTZZ6ZFb35NqSiYdPm1eUIBxkS9sJFpTMiMA_DFn2MUPw?e=fudfRa Prof. Joachim von Braun gave an opening key note on “A Vision on Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation –Opportunities for LAC & Africa Cooperation”, drawing on…
  • Presentation at British Parliament
    Joachim von Braun gave a presentation at the British Parliament on “The global food crisis: implications for agriculture in Africa” to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Agriculture and Food for Development (AgDev) on Monday 18th July 2022. The meeting was chaired by Lord Cameron of Dilligton. To respond to the crisis, von Braun outlined 10 short-term and 10 medium-term priorities for action, including market and…
  • Ireland acts upon UN Food Systems Summit
    Ireland follows up on the UN Food Systems Summit 2021 with an ambitious “Food Vision 2030 – A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems”. This is Ireland’s Strategy for the agri-food sector for the coming decade. The strategy was launched on June 3 2022 in Dublin with speeches by Minister Martin Heydon opening address to Research and Innovation Sustainable Food Systems Professor Joachim von Braun…
  • Follow up to UNFSS in Asia
    Joachim von Braun gave a presentation in the webinar on “Asia and the Pacific Regional Dialogue on Science and Technology for a Sustainable Food System: Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy for Transforming Food Systems in Asia-Pacific and around the World” on June 16, 2022. Joachim von Braun’s theme was “Key insights from the Food Systems Summit that are highly relevant for policymakers and…
  • Lecture Series on “Global and National Perspectives on Food System and Human Nutrition” from May 18 to 20, 2022
    In celebration of UPLB Institute of Human Nutrition and Food (IHNF)’s 34th Anniversary, a lecture series on Global and National Perspectives on Food System and Human Nutrition will be held on May 18-20, 2022. Recorded presentations of discussants/lecturers may be viewed from the IHNF social media platforms to be broadcasted from 7am on May 18 to 11:59pm on May 20 only. We invite all viewers…
  • ZEF Policy Brief “Speculation risks in food commodity markets in the context of the 2022 price spikes ‐ Implications for policy”
    by Lukas Kornher, Joachim von Braun, and Bernardina Algieri, Center for Development Research, University of Bonn In the context of the current food systems disruption due to Covid and Russian war in Ukraine, the share of speculative market activity in agricultural commodities has already increased since the end of 2020. When market uncertainties remain high or increase due to war, discretionary trade policies, and climate…
  • ZEF Policy Brief “G7 Development Assistance for Food Systems to Lift 500 Million People out of Hunger by 2030”
    by Lukas Kornher, Heike Baumüller and Joachim von Braun, Center for Development Research, University of Bonn SUMMARY The G7 countries made a commitment in 2015 at Elmau to lift 500 million people out of hunger and malnutrition by 2030. Living up to this commitment requires policy reforms, innovations, and development finance. This policy brief focuses on development aid finance needed to come near to the…
  • Policy Brief “Achieving the G7 Elmau Commitment in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Climate Change”
    by Joachim von Braun (Center for Development Research), Maximo Torero Cullen (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), David Laborde (International Food Policy Research Institute), Jaron Porciello (Cornell University), and Carin Smaller (International Institute for Sustainable Development) KEY MESSAGES Hunger levels are rising as a result of worsening conflict, economic downturns from COVID-19, the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather-related events, high food…
  • ZEF Policy Brief about trends and risks in world food situation
    See a new assessment of the trends and risks in world food situation by Lukas Kornher and Joachim von Braun HIGHER HIGHER AND MORE VOLATILE FOOD PRICES – COMPLEX IMPLICATIONS OF THE UKRAINE WAR AND THE COVID-19-PANDEMIC https://www.zef.de/fileadmin/webfiles/downloads/zef_policybrief/ZEF_Policy_Brief_38_eng.pdf
  • Presentation at JIRCAS International Symposium 2021
    Joachim von Braun gave a keynote presentation at the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) International Symposium 2021 on November 17, 2021. The event followed up on the UN Food Systems Summit with a focus on Asia. The theme of his keynote, “Research priorities in support of global and regional food systems transformations”. The whole program and the speeches are athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlqRpowiNts  
  • Statements about engagement of science in the UN Food Systems Summit
    There had been some critical statements about engagement of science in the UN Food Systems Summit and related campaign activities. An open letter to the UN Secretary General was send from the Chairs or Committee on Food Security (CFS), its High Level Panel of Experts (HLPE), and Human Right to Food UN Special Representatives:https://www.ipes-food.org/_img/upload/files/UNSG_UNFSSOpenLetter.pdf Responding to these positions, the Co-Presidents of the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP)…
  • COP26: Funding Innovation Crucial for Strengthening Climate-Stressed Food Systems
    by Claudia Sadoff and Joachim von Braun, October 24, 2021. https://www.ipsnews.net/2021/10/cop26-funding-innovation-crucial-strengthening-climate-stressed-food-systems/
  • Interview in Rural 21 on “Transformation requires effective institutions”
    Achieving a world without hunger is only one of the challenges which the world food system faces. In this interview, Joachim von Braun comments on the role of institutions, policy-makers, science and other factors in food systems transformation in the context and follow up of the UNFSS. Read the interview here.
  • Scientific Group Chair Joachim von Braun addresses UN Food Systems Summit 2021
    The Chair of the Scientific Group to the UN Food System Summit Joachim von Braun addressed participants at the Food Systems Summit during The People’s Plenary – Accelerating Action for the Future We Want. He highlighted science-based innovations that can transform food systems in four action areas of the Summit. The full statement can be found here.
  • Announcement on the Initiative on the True Value of Food
    The “hidden costs” of global food and land use systems are estimated to be US$19.8 trillion per year (Scientific Group of the UN Food Systems Summit, 2021): $7 trillion of environmental costs and $12 trillion of health costs (of which $11 trillion of loss of human life and $1 trillion of economic costs of illness). These costs, including high rates of diet-related chronic disease, the…
  • New article published in “Food Policy”
    The Journal Food Policy published an article on “The global cost of reaching a world without hunger: Investment costs and policy action opportunities” by Bezawit Beyene Chichaibelu, Maksud Bekchanov, Joachim von Braun and Maximo Torero. This study developed a marginal abatement cost curve to identify a mix of least-cost investment options with the highest potential for hunger reduction, hunger here defined by the undernourishment concept…
  • Comment in “Nature Food” on ‘Food system concepts and definitions for science and political action’
    The Journal Nature Food today published a comment by Scientific Group members Joachim von Braun, Kaosar Afsana, Louise Fresco, Mohamed Hassan and Maximo Torero on ‘Food system concepts and definitions for science and political action’. It stresses, that for fruitful deliberations and concerted action at the science–politics interface, the concepts of food systems and drivers of change need to be clearly understood. Read the comment…
  • Blog post “Science and knowledge for the UN Food Systems Summit 2021”
    by Joachim von Braun, Kaosar Afsana, Louise O. Fresco, Mohamed HassanChair and Vice Chairs of the Scientific Group of the UNFSS [ Download ] The UN Food Systems Summit as a whole must become a game changer. The equivalent of the 1.5-degree global warming goal is our goal of zero hunger by 2030, including healthy diets within a sustainable food system. Science, technology and innovation…
  • Scientific Group releases Science Reader for the UNFSS
      The Scientific Group of the UN Food Systems Summit has released a “Science Reader for the UNFSS” which features research by the Scientific Group and its global partners in support of Summit action agendas. The Reader brings research-based, state-of-the-art, solution-oriented knowledge and evidence to inform the transformation of contemporary food systems to achieve more sustainable, equitable and resilient food systems. The preparation of this…
  • Food systems-related topics feature at ICAE 2021
    The recent International Conference of the International Association of Agricultural Economists 2021 addressed issues of relevance for the UN Food Systems Summit. President of IAAE, Dr. Uma Lele, who is also a member of the Scientific Group for the UN FSS, shared a summary of the discussion which can be found here.
  • Article on the UNFSS in Nature
    Chair and Vice Chairs of the Scientific Group, Joachim von Braun, Kaosar Afsana, Louise Fresco and Mohamed Hassan published today a comprehensive article on the UNFSS in Nature. “Food systems: seven priorities to end hunger and protect the planet … Here’s how the United Nations should harness science and technology to improve nutrition and safeguard the environment“ they highlight: 1- End hunger and improve diets,…
  • Strategic report from the Scientific Group for the UNFSS revised
    The strategic report from the Scientific Group for the UNFSS has been revised in the light of the comments received during and after the Science Days. Read here.
  • Science issues figured prominently on the Agenda of the Food Systems Summit
    The Scientific Group organized a session at the UNFSS2021 Pre-Summit held in Rome from July 26th-28th. The session “Science and Innovation for Food Systems – Serving People and Planet” was moderated by the chair of the Scientific Group, Professor Joachim von Braun, and Magdalena Skipper, Editor in Chief of NATURE. It was organised in three blocks, adressing different topics. Block 1: Bio-Science, Digital Sciences and…
  • Positive assessment at Pre-Summit
    UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohamed in the closing session of the Pre-Summit on July 28th gives positive assessment of the contributions of the Scientific Group and thanks the Group led by “Professor Joachim” von Braun. Watch the video.
  • New nature Editorial follows up on Science Days of the Scientific Group
    “Does the fight against hunger need its own IPCC? – Any plan to create an intergovernmental science panel on food science and policy must protect its independence.” https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01904-0
  • “Options for an IPCC for food need careful consideration”
    Science Day Session Organizers from InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) comment “Options for an IPCC for food need careful consideration”. Read here.
  • Chair of the Scientific Group highlights promising food systems innovations at the Science Days
    Speaking at the opening plenary of the Science Days, a 2-day virtual event organized by the Scientific Group and hosted and facilitated by the FAO on 8-9 July 2021, the Chair of the Scientific Group Joachim von Braun highlighted seven science-driven innovations to accelerate the transformation to healthier, more sustainable, more equitable, and more resilient food systems. The innovations are drawn from a strategic paper…
  • Keynote at the World Food Convention
    Joachim von Braun gave a keynote at the World Food Convention on June 24th, 2021. He highlighted the problems of human suffering from hunger and unhealthy diets, and the high indirect true costs of food, and emphasized the science and innovation opportunities to move to a sustainable food system. World Food Convention is organized by German newspaper Tagesspiegel. Agnes Kalibata, Special Envoy to UN Food…
  • G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (G20-MACS)
    Joachim von Braun, Chair of Scientific Group, gave a “Briefing in the UN Food Systems summit (UNFSS)” to the G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (G20-MACS) on June 15th, 2021. Besides reporting on Scientific Group’s key papers, such as defining and modelling food systems, and the true costs of food, he outlined the emerging science and innovation proposals of the Scientific Group for the UNFSS….
  • Scientific Group Chair Joachim von Braun highlights opportunities for sustainable food systems at German national FSS dialogue
    Joachim von Braun delivered the keynote at the German national dialogue to the Food System Summit on 8 June 2021. He discussed challenges and opportunities for achieving sustainable and equitable food systems, and outlined the possible contribution of the Summit and Germany in particular to promote food systems transformation. The German presentation can be found here.
  • Joachim von Braun, Chair of the Science Group for the UN Food Systems Summit, presented a seminar at the Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy at China Agricultural University on June 2nd
    The Dean of the Academy Prof Shenggen Fan chaired the meeting attended by a large group of researchers and policy advisors. Joachim von Braun highlighted the important role of science incl. social sciences for the evidence based emerging agenda of the Food Systems Summit (read presentation). He emphasized the need to pay attention to different perspectives of countries and regions by drawing attention to insightful…
  • European Parliamentary Alliance against Hunger and Malnutrition
    On May 21st a Parliamentary Briefing of the European Parliamentary Alliance against Hunger and Malnutrition had a session on Achieving a sustainable Food Systems Transformation – Reflections for the UN Food Systems Summit. Seven members of the Parliament from 5 different groupings participated, as well as the FAO Director General. Joachim von Braun gave the keynote to the event. The Program as well as von…
  • Dreaming of a better restart
    Friday May 14th, a workshop by the Pontifical Academies of Sciences and of Social Sciences addressed the needed actions of financing the restart after Covid, financing the climate agenda, and financing end of hunger and extreme poverty. The workshop was titled “DREAMING OF A BETTER RESTART” and had as speakers IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, the US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, the Chair…
  • European Union – FAO High-Level Dialogue
    Joachim von Braun, Chair of Scientific Group for the UN Food Systems Summit, delivered the keynote to the European Union – FAO High-Level Dialogue Thursday 6 May 2021, linking the dialogue to the Food Systems Summit and the need to transform food systems globally. He emphasized innovation, including in European food policies. His presentation is attached. » Presentation
  • Statement Science and Innovations for a Sustainable Food System
    Workshop of the Scientific Group for the UN Food Systems Summit andthe Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS), Vatican City, April 21‐22, 2021 Read the statement here.
  • Interview with Joachim von Braun on the challenges of fighting hunger and the role of science
    “This summit must not become bogged down in ideological battles” Read the interview on www.welthungerhilfe.org here.
  • Scientific Group for the UN Food Systems Summit and Academies Discuss Summit Agenda in the Vatican
    The Scientific Group for the UN Food Systems Summit held a workshop with the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS) and representatives of Academies from all hemispheres to identify key action areas of science and innovations in support of the goals of the United Nations Food Systems Summit 2021 (UNFSS). In his opening, Joachim von Braun, President of PAS and Chair of the Scientific Group, stated…
  • Scientific Group met with G77
    Today (April 8th ) Prof. Joachim von Braun and Prof. Mohamed Hassan – Chair and Vice Chair of the Scientific Group, met with leaders of the G77 countries and the G77 Secretariat to brief them about the role and insights of the Scientific Group for the UN Food Systems Summit. The Chair of the G77 H.E. Ambassador Aly Diane welcomed and appreciated the briefing by…
  • Final paper of Action Track 2 now available
    Shift to Healthy and Sustainable Consumption Patterns: Read here.
  • Final paper of Action Track 3 now available
    Boost Nature Positive Production: Read here.
  • Scientific Group of the UN Food Systems Summit (FSS) & Global-Hub Exchange of Knowledge: Whipala/White paper on Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems
    A virtual meeting of the members of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), members of the Scientific Group (ScG) of the UN FSS, the Global Hub of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and members of the scientific community of indigenous peoples was held on March 31, 2021. Chairperson ScG Joachim von Braun, Vice Chair Kaosar Afsana, and…
  • Meeting of the Scientific Group of UN Food Systems Summit (FSS) with the Scientific Community in the Private Sector
    Researchers from public institutions and researchers from the private sector for the first time had a structured meeting to explore science and innovation opportunities that may enhance UN Food Systems Summit objectives. The Chairperson of the Scientific Group (ScG) of the Food Systems Summit (FSS), Joachim von Braun, the Vice Chairperson Mohamed Hasan, and other members of the ScG held a meeting with scientists affiliated…
  • Final paper of Action Track 1 now available
    Ensuring Access to Safe and Nutritious Food for All Through Transformation of Food Systems: Read here.
  • Relevant new publications for the Food Systems Summit
    The Scientific Group has assembled most relevant recent publications that can inform propositions for actions in food systems. The data base will be continuously updated with new sources. » Read publications
  • Cost of ending Hunger and True Costs of Food
    On March 17th, 2021 Joachim von Braun – Chair of the Scientific Group for the Food Systems Summit – and Maximo Torero – Chief Economist of FAO and member of Scientific Group – presented to the “Group of Friends of the Food Systems Summit”, i.e. the Ambassadors and delegates of countries to the Rome based UN food organizations on “cost of ending hunger and the…
  • Revised concept papers online
    Two papers prepared by the Scientific Group are available now after extensive external peer review. They provide information to facilitate discussion for transparent and evidence-based Summit preparations. The paper “Food Systems – Definition, Concept and Application for the UN Food Systems Summit” provides a food systems concept that can be used for the UN Food Systems Summit. [ Download ] The paper “Healthy diet: A…