Global meat sector to engage in UN Food Systems Summit
The global meat sector will be holding a Food Systems Dialogue on Wednesday 26 May (AEST) to inform the first-ever United Nations Food Systems Summit which will take place in New York in September. The inaugural Food Systems Summit is drawing on the input of global experts to identify sustainable solutions for the future of food.
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) are co-convening a Dialogue (alongside the Global Meat Alliance and in partnership with the International Meat Secretariat) to ensure the role meat protein plays in healthy, sustainable food systems is heard.
MLA Managing Director, Jason Strong, said the dialogue is an opportunity for the global meat sector to participate in the Food Systems Summit and work collaboratively on solutions that will benefit food producers and consumers.
“There are a number of significant meetings being held at an intergovernmental level during 2021 such as the Food Systems Summit and COP26. It’s so important for our industry to collectively engage at a pre-competitive level to ensure our work is represented and to further drive innovation and improvement for the sustainability of our sector. This is why Meat & Livestock Australia are proud to convene this dialogue and encourage others, globally, to take part.”
The primary topics of discussion will be introduced by five leading experts in the respective areas:
Max Makuvise, Zimbabwe: Food security: What is the role of protein in feeding the growing world’s population
Diana Rodgers, USA: What is the role of meat in the diet and what are the implications of going without?
Dr Frank Mitloehner, USA: How can we sustainably manage existing food production systems to the benefit of both nature and people?
Dr John Gilliland, Ireland: What is the role of the global meat sector in future-proofing our food systems and protecting against shocks and stresses?
Dr Frédéric Leroy, Belgium: How do we maintain a balanced debate and inclusive narrative?
From here, participants including producers, industry bodies, government, NGOs, global processors, butchers and retailers, will “breakout” to discuss the topics in more depth.
The dialogue will identify current progress of work and new ‘Game-Changing Solutions’ to share with the organisers of the UN Food Systems Summit following the event. The information will be used by organisers to inform the Summit’s five priority Action Tracks, as well as the preparatory work of its Scientific and Advisory Groups, Champions Network, and other Summit support structures.
To learn more about the Dialogue, click here.