Addis Ababa, July 28, 2025 (FMC) — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has praised Ethiopia for its leadership in advancing climate-smart and inclusive food systems, as the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS+4) continues in Addis Ababa.
In a message delivered virtually to the high-level gathering, Guterres commended Ethiopia and Italy for co-hosting the summit alongside the United Nations, emphasizing that their collaboration reflects the urgency and shared responsibility in transforming global food systems.
The summit has brought together heads of state and government including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Kenyan President William Ruto, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Comorian President Azali Assoumani, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, and African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat.
Guterres noted that since the inaugural Food Systems Summit in 2021, over 100 countries have developed and implemented strategies to reform their food systems. Many of these efforts are now focused on addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.
He highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment as an example of national leadership in aligning food systems with climate resilience and sustainable development, adding that such actions are key to ensuring long-term food security and economic stability.
The Secretary-General warned that global trade disruptions have driven up food prices, undermining access to healthy and safe nutrition for millions. He stressed the importance of reducing dependency on food imports by investing in local production and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
“Building resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart food systems is not only a necessity for food security, but also essential for achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals,” Guterres said.
He added that reforms across food systems are already generating positive results, including job creation and increased productivity. He called for more investment in reducing food waste, strengthening value chains, and embracing innovation—including technologies like artificial intelligence—to boost efficiency and sustainability.
At the same time, the Secretary-General underlined the need to support developing countries through debt relief, greater access to financing, and reform of the global financial system.
Guterres concluded his message by urging the international community to act collectively to transform food systems, ensure food security for all, and foster equitable growth.