Good Governance for Healthy and Sustainable Urban Food Systems

Rapid urbanization is creating radically new challenges to feeding cities which by 2030 will contain 5 billion consumers, a great number suffering from some form of malnutrition. The food system is governed by both state and non-state actors including the private sector. All actors (local and national governments, civil society, the
private sector, and international organizations) need to work better together to meet the challenge of a healthier, equitable and more sustainable food system for all.
Malnutrition now affects every country in the world and is having severe societal and economic impacts. Ensuring sufficient and healthy food for all is a great challenge for growing cities because urban food systems are vulnerable to climate change, economic shocks, violent crises, dramatic social changes (i.e. migration).
Recognizing those challenges, the Sustainable Development Goals have highlighted the need of ending hunger, reducing malnutrition (SDG2) and making cities more resilient and sustainable(SDG11) as key goals. Linking SDG2 with SDG11 is critical. By 2030 a billion people will move to cities and fewer people will be living in rural farming areas. The majority of urban growth will occur in Africa and Asia where malnutrition is most severe and food systems are already constrained. Around 24% of urban populations are stunted and obesity has become a major concern in most cities around the world. Hunger and malnutrition (in its various forms: obesity, micronutrient deficiency etc.) are not challenges just for the health sector, but for all. A joined-up approach among different stakeholders will be key. This side event will discuss what constitutes a good urban food policy and will examine how to foster sustainable food systems which: 1) stimulate local economies; 2) provide affordable nutritious foods to all; 3) mitigate the negative effects of climate change.