Committee on World Food Security - CFS

The 35th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization Regional Conference for Europe (ERC35), held from 11 to 15 May 2026, provided an important opportunity to convene regional dialogue and strengthen engagement on advancing food security and nutrition across Europe and Central Asia.

During the session, the Chairperson of the Committee on World Food Security, Anas A. Al-Nabulsi, highlighted that although many countries in the region have made significant progress in reducing hunger and improving nutrition outcomes, according to recent estimates about 24.5 million people in the region are still food insecure. Moreover, the region faces a series of interconnected challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation, as well as economic disruptions and growing geopolitical tensions.

Together, these factors pose a systemic threat to food systems and their capacity to ensure food security and nutrition for all. With strong institutional capacities, innovation ecosystems, and effective policy frameworks, Europe and Central Asia can play a critical role in driving the transition towards more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems. Strengthening the connection between regional action and global policy processes remains possible through unified, inclusive, evidence-based, and cooperative approaches aimed at building agrifood systems that deliver food security and nutrition for all.

Ahead of Rome Nutrition Week 2026, discover more about our voluntary guidelines designed to support countries in eradicating hunger and all forms of malnutrition through a food systems approach.

The Committee on World Food Security Voluntary Guidelines on Food Systems and Nutrition (VGFSyN) are an intergovernmental and multi-stakeholder negotiated policy tool that supports governments, specialized institutions, and other stakeholders in developing policies, responsible investments, and institutional arrangements to address the causes of hunger and malnutrition from a food systems perspective.

▶️ Learn more about the CFS Voluntary Guidelines on Food Systems and Nutrition (VGFSyN)

🔗 https://buff.ly/u9nfpml

📣 Reminder to all Members and stakeholders!

📣 The CFS Secretariat invites Members and stakeholders to submit proposals for Side Events at the 54th Plenary Session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS 54). This is an opportunity to share experiences, highlight initiatives, and contribute to the global dialogue on food security and nutrition.

▶️ Submit your proposal through the application form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=aMQ6Frir0ESB_dnbFeOvluEr5m1GrmhHrOB7xMrGpPNUMzJOUEJPNlI0OUVNWTRDM1hSRFBPOFBRMy4u by 30 May 2026.

Detailed information on requirements, selection criteria, and the submission process is available in the registration form.

We look forward to receiving your proposals!