Accelerating the SDGs: The opportunity of agrifood systems transformation

Abstract

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cover economic, social and environmental dimensions and provide a roadmap for a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable world. Whilst there is progress, there's still much work to be done. Focuses must include combating poverty, hunger and inequality and addressing environmental crises like climate change and biodiversity loss. Traditional measures of economic progress, like GDP growth, often overlook underlying societal and environmental failures. This has resulted in policies that have created negative environmental and social externalities. These are affecting people and the planet in ways that offset the potential positive economic impacts of growth. Established interests deeply rooted in the current status quo system, combined with significant power imbalances, create obstacles to change. The way that the markets work in the agrifood systems creates negative externalities many affecting small-scale farmers, the environment and food poverty. In July 2023, the United Nations Food Systems Summit +2 (UNFSS+2) in Rome assessed global progress towards more sustainable agrifood systems. More than 100 countries showcased their initiatives. As the world moves forward, concerted and coordinated action such as this is essential to achieve the full potential of agrifood systems that prioritise the right to food and deliver on the SDGs to the benefit of us all.