Deep shifts in global food and agricultural systems have intensified the need for transformative change. With more than eight decades of experience, FAO is responding by promoting a systems-based approach that addresses complexity, manages trade-offs, and unlocks synergies across sectors. This direction is central to the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–31, which emphasizes coordinated, holistic action as the foundation for sustainable impact.

Within this setting, FAO’s Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division (ESF) is hosting an event to reflect on how systems thinking is being strengthened and operationalized across the Organization. The conversation will examine FAO’s Four Betters—Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life, leaving no one behind—while exploring practical applications, unpacking what a systems approach means for FAO, and identifying pathways to scale its use in advancing agrifood systems transformation.

Agenda:

Introductory remarks: Maximo Torero, Chief Economist, FAO.

Where are we now: How does FAO understand a systems approach?: Corinna Hawkes, Director Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division (ESF), FAO, A

Panel Discussion

Where do we want to go: What will it take to ensure an even wider adoption of a systems approach to catalyze agrifood systems transformation as we move
forward? How can FAO support this?

• Maximo Torero, Chief Economist, FAO
• Jessica Fanzo, The James Anderson Professor for Food Policy and Climate, The School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) Europe, The Johns Hopkins University
• Khalid Bomba, CEO of the Development Sovereignty Group and former CEO Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA)

Q&A and reflections with audience