Addis Ababa, July 27, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed warmly welcomed Italian Prime Minister and President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni to Ethiopia this afternoon, as both countries jointly host the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4), which officially opened today in Addis Ababa.
“It is my pleasure to welcome to Ethiopia Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister and President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic,” Prime Minister Abiy stated in a social media message after warmly welcoming his Italian counterpart at Addis Ababa aBole International Airport. “Our two nations stand together over the next three days, as partners in co-hosting the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit.”
The summit began with an Action Day on July 27, featuring field visits to various areas in and around Addis Ababa. Delegates from across the globe visited smallholder farms, youth-led agricultural projects, and climate-smart food production initiatives, aimed at showcasing community-based models of food systems transformation.
The visits offered participants firsthand insight into Ethiopia’s progress and challenges in building sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems.
Side events also took place in the afternoon, including country-led sessions and thematic dialogues, setting the stage for the official high-level proceedings scheduled for July 28–29 at the UNECA Conference Centre.
The summit marks the fourth global convening since the inaugural 2021 Food Systems Summit and is designed to assess national progress, reinforce accountability, and mobilize investment in the lead-up to 2030. Ethiopia and Italy’s joint hosting of the event reflects their shared commitment to transforming global food systems amid increasing climate, economic, and security challenges.