UN’s CFS endorses 1st Ever Voluntary Guidelines on Food Systems and Nutrition

During the 47th Session of UN’s Committee on World Food Security (CFS) which took place virtually from February 8-11, 2021, members of the CFS endorsed the 1st Ever Voluntary Guidelines on Food Systems and Nutrition (VGFSyN).

• The guidelines aim to achieve the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development & its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The Guidelines are intended to support the implementation of the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition (2016-2025).
• They have been prepared by CFS based on inputs from HLPE (High Level Panel of Experts) 2017 report, UN Technical documents & peer-reviewed Scientific Literature.
• It is the only policy instrument which has been negotiated at multilateral level on the issue of food systems and nutrition.

i.The guidelines focus on 7 areas. Which are

• Transparent, democratic and accountable governance
• Sustainable food supply chains to achieve health diets in the context of economic, social and environmental sustainability and climate change
• Equal and equitable access to healthy diets through sustainable food systems
• Food safety across sustainable food systems
• People-centered nutrition knowledge, education and information
• Gender equality and women’s empowerment across food systems
• Resilient food systems in humanitarian contexts

Why are the Guidelines Important?

i.According to FAO’s estimates, globally 690 Million people are chronically undernourished & COVID-19 has further pushed 130 Million people into hunger. Apart from this

• 2 Billion suffer from micronutrient deficiencies
• More than 3 Billion people cannot afford a healthy diet.

What does it aim to Achieve?

The Guidelines aim to make available nutritious diets through sustainable food systems.

• It will address malnutrition across the entire agri-food systems in a logical and holistic manner.

Committee on World Food Security (CFS):

It was established in 1974 as an intergovernmental body to serve as a forum in the UN system for review and follow up of food security policies.

• It is the foremost inclusive international & intergovernmental platform to work together to ensure food security and nutrition for all
• CFS reports to the UN General Assembly through the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) & to FAO Conference.

Recent Related News:

i.January 21, 2021, According to a report released by FAO, UNICEF, WFP & WHO, Based on Global estimates the number of people facing severe food insecurity was estimated to double to 265 Million by the end of 2020 due to pandemic.

About Committee on World Food Security (CFS):
Chairperson – Thanawat Tiensin
Headquarters – Rome, Italy