FAO and the International Science Council join forces to strengthen science-policy interfaces for agrifood systems

In a momentous move towards enhancing transformative partnerships, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Science Council (ISC) signed a Letter of Intent on October 31 to bolster science-policy interfaces for agrifood systems.

Collective expertise of FAO and ISC will accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in eradicating hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.

“Collaborations like this one between FAO and ISC are key to the implementation of the FAO Science and Innovation Strategy, as transformative partnerships are one of the enablers of the strategy, “said Beth Crawford, Chief Scientist ad interim of FAO.

Crawford underscored that FAO aims to strengthen its contributions to science-policy interfaces at national, regional, and global levels, as indicated by the strategy.

“Under this partnership, FAO looks forward to joint actions with ISC to promote the integration of science and evidence into policy-making processes; promoting joint advocacy and high-level outreach in the areas of science, technology and innovation for the transformation of agrifood systems.”
Beth Crawford, Chief Scientist ad interim of FAO

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Resilient Food Systems

Pathways to a sustainable post-COVID world – reports from the IIASA-ISC consultative platform

The report argues that the emphasis on efficiency, which has been driving to a large part the evolution of food systems, needs to be counter-balanced by a greater emphasis on resilience and equity concerns. As illustrated by the pandemic this entails expanding the scope and reach of social safety nets and protection schemes. It also includes assessing and where necessary adjusting supply chains and trade in their capacity to absorb and adapt to a multitude of risks.

“The transformations of our agrifood systems will require strong science-policy-society collaborations that bring different knowledges and experiences together to co-construct a more resilient and sustainable future,” said Salvatore Aricò, Chief Executive Officer of ISC.

“The new cooperation agreement signed between FAO and the ISC is a major opportunity to strengthen the role of science in informing decision-making and supporting transformative actions.”
Salvatore Aricò, Chief Executive Officer of ISC

The collaboration between FAO and ISC holds great promise in amplifying the crucial role of science and evidence in addressing critical global issues. By pooling our scientific expertise, FAO and ISC are poised to catalyze robust and informed discussions on these pressing matters, ensuring that science remains at the forefront of global policy-making efforts for agrifood systems.

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ISC work at the United Nations

The International Science Council works at the intersection of science and policy, to ensure that science is integrated into international policy development and that relevant policies take into account both scientific knowledge and the needs of science.