Global Food Security Flagship Launched at UN Talks with Youth and Bold Investment Push.
By Raymond Enoch
A landmark moment in global food systems transformation unfolded in Bonn as the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security convened a dynamic, cross-sector gathering on the sidelines of the UNFCCC SB62 climate negotiations.
The high-level event, hosted by the Crop Trust and co-chaired by AGFUND (Arab Gulf Programme for Development), drew international attention as it brought together youth leaders, private sector innovators, global organizations, and policymakers to align efforts around transforming food systems in the face of escalating climate threats.
Held in strategic coordination with the UN climate talks, the Flagship event underscored the urgency of translating global cooperation into local, resilient, and inclusive action—placing special focus on regions most vulnerable to climate-induced food insecurity.
Two influential voices in the climate and food security arena delivered compelling messages.
Mr. Evans Davies Njewa, Chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group from Malawi, emphasized the immediate need for scaled-up intervention in the most affected regions.
“We must act where the need is greatest,” Njewa urged. “Climate-resilient food systems are not a future aspiration—they are today’s necessity.”
Professor Dany El-Obeid, who leads the Food and Agriculture Team of the Arab Group—representing 22 Arab nations in the UNFCCC process—stressed the role of regional collaboration in addressing the food-climate nexus.
“This is a shared challenge that demands coordinated regional responses,” he said. “Food security is inseparable from climate security.”
The event’s defining energy came from the youth participants, who delivered a unified message: they are ready, they are engaged, and they demand meaningful inclusion.
From insightful policy contributions to passionate calls for action, young leaders made it clear that they are not waiting in the wings—they are stepping up as partners and changemakers.
“This initiative must be shaped with us, not just for us,” said one youth representative. “The future of food security must be inclusive and intergenerational.”
Their involvement was a powerful reminder that sustainable transformation depends on those most affected being at the decision-making table.
Notable key takeaways from the Side Event that would continue to shape the new agenda for Food-Climate Action for some times to come includes
Strengthen Partnerships: Multilateral leadership must convert political will into concrete, community-driven, and science-informed solutions.
Center Youth and Civil Society: Inclusion is not a checkbox—it’s a condition for effective change. Engaging grassroots voices is critical to long-term success.
Derisk Investment for Impact: Unlocking capital for resilient food systems will require innovative, risk-aware financing mechanisms that scale proven strategies and de-risk local implementation.
With momentum building, organizers highlighted the Global Flagship’s role in shaping the international development landscape in the lead-up to key global platforms. These include the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville and the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Flagship by Crop Trust is also backed by AGFUND and other partners is quickly establishing itself as a global catalyst for cross-sectoral collaboration on climate-resilient food systems—bridging science, finance, policy, and grassroots innovation.
“This is just the beginning,” said an AGFUND representative. “The Flagship is not just growing—it’s moving with strategic, powerful momentum.”
