The meeting, opened by Prof. J. Sachs, highlighted how the SDGs have been rieterated by the International Community as being the commonly accepted strategic agenda for the years to come. During the initial speech it was underscored how the world is not on-track for the achievements of Agenda 2030 and several obstacles, such as the current international financial architecture, exists. However, there are positive trends to acknowledge such as the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 Forum. Prof. Sachs stressed the need to have a scaling-up of the flow of finance to favour the low income and low-middle income countries to support the implementation of Agenda 2030 and the development of the low and middle income Countries. He also advocated for international peace and cooperation, calling for a multiregional government-system for a better global government. Prof. Sachs finally referred to the next major global events, stressing the opportunities that the Summit of the Future could offer to networks and civil society organizations to propose bold ideas and solutions to design a better future.
Mr. Torero, FAO Chief Economist, highlighted the interlinkages, complexities and nexus among SDGs and use of natural resources, advocating for a transformation of agrifood systems. He underscored how the increase of agriculture has been a main driver of biodiversity loss, wth negative impact in terms of climate change, water scarcity and evolution of pests and disease and how biodiversity loss (especially of pollination) could jeopardize food security worldwide. Torero also illustrated how FAO promotes sustainable use of natural resources along the FAO 4betters strategy (production, nutrition, environment, life) through data, policies, investments and innovation, focusing on the two key objectives. Other distinguished panelists also highlighted the importance of sustainable intensification of production while decreasing environmental footprint; investing in market infrastructure; addressing food loss and food waste; converting to healthy diets; ensuring social protection, as well as promoting nature based solutions.
On September 20, Prof. Riccaboni, Chair of SDSN MED Network, also intervened at the SDSN Networks Chairs Meeting, highlighting key concrete factors able to promote sustainable agrifood value chains. Prof. Riccaboni stressed the importance of cooperation across and along the agrifood value-chains, the need to scale-up research and innovation projects; the key role of integrating rigorous measurements of sustainability together certification and traceability; the positive role of places to co-create solutions among the different stakeholders and actors (eg. living labs) as well as of places to sell local products (eg. farmers-markets). The experience of Santa Chiara Lab – University of Siena was also presented.