UNFSS+4 a platform to demonstrate Ethiopia’s shift from promises to action: Minister

Addis Ababa, July 26, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, says the upcoming UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4) offers Ethiopia the opportunity to both learn from others and demonstrate how it has translated food systems commitments into concrete action.

In an exclusive interview with Fana Media Corporation, Dr. Mekdes, who also serves as a member of the national inter-ministerial steering committee for the Ethiopian Food Systems Transformation and Nutrition (EFSTN) initiative, emphasized that the summit is a critical global platform for addressing food and nutrition issues.

Ethiopia, which actively participated in the inaugural UN Food Systems Summit held in 2021, committed to integrating food system transformation into its national development agenda.

The Health Minister noted that the continuous implementation efforts underway in Ethiopia are vital to upholding and advancing those commitments during this year’s summit.

“Food and nutrition have enormous health benefits. A healthy and productive generation depends on a resilient food system,” Dr. Mekdes said. She underscored that various government ministries and stakeholders have worked collaboratively over the past years to realize the “farm to table” vision under the national EFSTN framework.

She further noted that Ethiopia’s approach integrates food systems and nutrition not only from an agricultural perspective but also through a health-centered lens, ensuring a multi-sectoral response to national food challenges.

Dr. Mekdes reiterated that UNFSS+4 is an invaluable opportunity for Ethiopia to showcase its progress and share lessons, while also gaining insights from global partners.

Ethiopia will host the second United Nations Food Systems Summit from July 27 to 29, 2025, in Addis Ababa.