Addis ababa: Ethiopia hosted the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4), where it showcased its experiences and put forward innovative solutions for food system reform, according to the Government Communication Service (GCS).
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the United Nations Food Systems Summit, jointly organized by the governments of Ethiopia and Italy in collaboration with the United Nations, took place in Addis Ababa, bringing together leaders, agricultural researchers, stakeholders, and institutions from across the sector. The Summit assessed the progress and challenges encountered in the food system transformation over recent years and charted the path forward for future initiatives, it was indicated.
In a press release sent to ENA, the Government Communication Service highlighted that Ethiopia, beyond hosting the conference, shared its successful experience in achieving food sovereignty. According to the press release, Ethiopia shared its success stories, including the billions of seedlings planted annually under the Green Legacy Initiative to combat climate change, as well as the significant achievements realized beyond ensuring food security.
The Addis Ababa summit concluded with in-depth discussions on strategies to achieve food system success in meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, exploring diverse experiences, and setting future priorities. Ethiopia, having achieved significant successes in Yelemat Tirufat ('Bounty of the Basket'), summer irrigated wheat, urban agriculture, and the Green Legacy Initiative, leveraged the forum to strengthen both bilateral and multilateral relations.
The country also showcased its agricultural sector achievements, underscored by ongoing macroeconomic reforms, the press release further noted. Ethiopia, which hosted over 150 continental and international conferences in the past fiscal year, GCS stated that the country continues to solidify its position as a premier destination for global conference tourism, driven by its multi-sectoral development approaches.
The transformation of its cities, the growth of the service sector, the renowned hospitality of its people, the favorable climate of key urban centers, and the country's expanding diplomatic influence all contribute to its capacity to host high-level gatherings. Finally, the press release said 'the government extends its sincere appreciation to security institutions, service providers, stakeholders, and all Ethiopians for their generous hospitality and vital role in ensuring the successful completion of the summit and the meaningful exchange of experiences.'