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Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Committee on Food Security

CHAP Innovation Hub Lead, Dr Jenna Ross, was out in Rome from 12th-17th October representing CHAP and Nuffield UK at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Committee on World Food Security (CFS).

The CFS is an international and intergovernmental multi-stakeholder platform that works together to achieve food security and nutrition for everyone. The CFS reports to the United Nations General Assembly through the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and to the FAO Conference.

Jenna’s week began with a plenary session on the ‘State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2019’, its policy implications and the sustainable development goals (SGDs). For those that aren’t aware of the SDGs, they are 17 goals that were established as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and implemented by all UN Member States in 2015, to work towards peace and prosperity for people and the planet. These goals focus on ending poverty, improving health and education, reducing inequality, encouraging economic growth, tackling climate change, preserving our oceans and land, and regarding our sector, working towards zero hunger (SDG2).

As part of the plenary session there were discussions around how the SDGs align with human rights, inclusion of indigenous people, ecological equilibrium, importance of nutritious food and the need for investment into science, technology and innovation.

In addition, Jenna joined sessions on Agroecology, including outputs of the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE) on ‘Agroecological and other innovative approaches’ by Dr Fergus Sinclair who was the project team leader.

Jenna was also fortunate to be selected to join the World Food Day observance, which was opened by the UN Director-General, Qu Dongyu, with speeches from Giuseppe Conte (President of the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom of Italy), as well as a number of other Dignitaries.

One particular highlight for Jenna was Her Excellency Mariam bint Saeed Hareb Al Mehairi (Minister of State for Food Security in UAE), who spoke passionately about opportunities with vertical farming, 3D printing of food, genomics and the concept of farm in a box.

Jenna was also invited to a number of engagements, including events hosted at the Canadian Ambassador’s residence, and another by the Argentinian Ambassador. In addition, Jenna was selected to join the high-level reception with all committee attendees.

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