Accelerating food systems transformation in the Mediterranean

The publication highlights key messages emerged from two dialogues convened in 2021 as part of the global efforts around the UN Food Systems Summit, focusing on the specificities of food systems across the Mediterranean. The dialogues connected 300 diverse stakeholders from over 30 countries, including government officials from ten FAO Member States.

Building on the dialogues’ outcomes, the document proposes entry points for food systems transformation in the Mediterranean towards more sustainability and inclusion. Proposed entry points include: blue, green and circular economy; sustainable management of land and water resources; reviving the Mediterranean diet; cities as drivers of sustainable approaches; equitable and inclusive development of rural livelihoods.

The brief also suggests some key ingredients to accelerate food systems transformation. Enhanced partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaboration, increased public and private finance and investments, as well as awareness raising and capacity building among food system actors can support and promote regional cooperation, including through research, data, and innovation.

The document was shared with Member State Dialogues Convenors from Mediterranean countries to support the preparation of their participation and their statements in the UN Food Systems Summit event in September 2021.