At the UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake in Addis Ababa this week, our Global CEO, Philip Lymbery, delivered a clear message: the future of food must feed people first within planetary boundaries recognising the interconnectedness of the health and welfare of people and animals.

Jointly hosted by the Governments of Ethiopia and Italy, the summit brought together over 3,500 participants to assess progress and renew commitments to food systems transformation. More than 700 non-state actors, including industry, business, civil society, farmers, women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples, attended in person, alongside representatives from 145 Member States and staff from UN and other regional and international institutions.

Governments Stepping Up

Government after government stepped forward to report on their national progress. According to the Secretary-General’s report launched at the summit, 130 countries have now articulated multisectoral National Pathways for food systems transformation. Food and agriculture are reflected in the climate plans of 168 countries, and over 170 nations have implemented programmes to support child nutrition.

Our Role in Shaping the Agenda

Philip attended in his capacity as a member of the UN Food Systems Advisory Group and the agenda-setting taskforce for the Stocktake. His presence built on our longstanding engagement with the UN Food Systems Summit process — beginning in 2021, when he served as a UN Food Systems Champion, and continuing through the first Stocktake in 2023.

He said:

The UN Food Systems Summit process has been instrumental in shifting the global narrative on food; moving away from business as usual with a few tweaks, to transformational reform.

The food system agenda sits now where it belongs, at the heart of international policy discussions, because it’s clear that only by shifting food systems can we deliver across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals and secure a future for our children.

A Vision for Humane, Sustainable Food Systems

At the Stocktake, our team championed humane, nature-friendly farming methods as fundamental solutions to the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. We advocated for the integration of the One Health approach in food systems transformation, acknowledging the interconnectedness of animal, human and planetary health. We also called for a shift away from harmful animal agriculture to regenerative, agroecological systems.

Endorsement from UN Leaders

Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed praised the growing momentum:

I am proud of what we have achieved. We’ve heard powerful stories of progress and rising ambitions. Food systems have taken root in global and regional agreements.

And in a video message to open the summit, UN Secretary-General António Guterres set the tone:

The future of food is the future of humanity.

A message repeated in the Summit’s excellent closing highlights video.

Convergence for change

Reflecting on the Stocktake, our Global CEO Philip Lymbery said:

I welcome the incredible momentum we’ve seen through this summit and across the wider food systems process. From governments to grassroots leaders, there is a real commitment to change. Now, as we look ahead, what’s needed is greater convergence - a unifying North Star to guide our transformation. That means feeding people first, within planetary boundaries, and embedding a One Health approach across policy and practice. Only by recognising the interdependence of animals, people and planet can we truly build food systems fit for the future.

Looking Ahead: From Addis to Brazil

We will continue to work at the heart of this transformation, ensuring that food systems serve people, animals, and the planet. As the world looks ahead to COP30 in Brazil, food systems are expected to play a central role in aligning climate, biodiversity, and development goals. Over the coming months, we will be active across key UN platforms advocating for policy shifts in support of food system change.

Our CEO champions future of food at UN Stocktake