Vietnam is in urgent need to help transform sustainable food systems

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep shared some of his thoughts at the closing session of the fourth Global Conference on Sustainable Food Systems with the theme "THE TRANSFORMATION WE NEED: Emerging from global crises by shaping sustainable, resilient, healthy, and inclusive food systems" on April 27. Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep believes that organzing the conference in Vietnam is considered "right place at the right time".

After four days of active exchange, with the participation of more than 1,000 online participants, 337 face-to-face delegates at 9 official sessions, 11 side sessions, and 31 bilateral meetings between the parties, 2 high-level meetings with the Prime Minister of Vietnam and 5 field trips, the Deputy Minister said that the participants and international organizations has gained the most exciting experience and lessons.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep also emphasized that the problem of converting the food system has become more urgent than ever. "It is now, not any other time. With a fuller understanding of the challenges ahead, we must act immediately to protect the planet – our common home, protect our existence and future generations".

“Sustainable production and consumption” and “Food system transformation” are among the topics that all parties can take action on to contribute to realizing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Accordingly, Vietnam's food system is moving towards a multi-sector, multi-target approach. To implement the "National Action Plan to transform a transparent, responsible, and sustainable food system in Vietnam to 2030", Vietnam is in great need of the companionship and support of donors, international partners, research institutions, the business sector, the private sector, and the public to work together in accordance with the Government's priority directions.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep affirmed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development would closely coordinate with international partners, such as FAO, UNDP, UNIDO, WWF, One CGIAR, CIAT, IRRI... and development partners in the near future to implement the country's National Action Plan.  

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will also work closely with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Ministry of Education and Training to enhance education and communication to the community about healthy eating habits, nutrition balancuing, reasonable and responsible consumption while avoiding food waste and loss.

In addition, Vietnam's agricultural sector will also deploy and promote the application of digital technology and innovation to increase production efficiency, productivity, food safety, and also connecting people to the world through direct-to-consumer production. Minimizing food loss and waste also needs to be put into consideration.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep said that Vietnam wishes to develop an "Innovation Hub for Food Systems in Southeast Asia" to expand research, policy making, strengthen cooperation and promote the replication of green, environmentally friendly, low-emission, and sustainable models.

On behalf of the host country, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep expressed his gratitude to the speakers, delegates, ministries and localities for sharing on topics related to food systems with great enthussiasm.

Emphasizing the role of the media in building a sustainable food system, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep especially extend his thanks to Vietnam Agriculture News as the focal point for organizing the complete and timely information about the events within the framework of the conference. The conference's communication activities have attracted attention from the society and the international community, contributing to the goal of transforming towards a healthy, sustainable and climate-resilient food system in the new global context.

The Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) Programme is a multi-actor partnership focused on catalyzing urgent transformation towards sustainable food systems, as a critical strategy to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

So far, three global conferences have been held. The 1st Global Conference on Sustainable Food Systems was held in June 2017 in South Africa. The 2nd conference was held in February 2019 in Costa Rica. The 3rd conference was held online in November - December 2020.

The 4th global conference of the Sustainable Food Systems Programme will contribute to the 2023 UN Food Systems Stocktaking Moment by focusing on how food systems need to be transformed to overcome the multiple deeply rooted and interlinked crises of climate, biodiversity, conflict, energy, prices, hunger, malnutrition, and health to achieve the SDGs.