High Level Thematic Plenary – Food System Transformation

Sustainable energy can play a substantive role in supporting the transformation of food systems so that production, sustainability, and gender equality are simultaneously improved. A lack of coordination and inefficient use of data impedes planning, hindering efforts to target investments and identify interventions for user needs. This High-Level Plenary on ‘Food Systems Transformation’ will explore action-oriented solutions to integrate renewable energy solutions into food systems and highlight the potential for multiple wins at all stages of the value chain. At the same time, this High-Level Plenary will discuss how this transformation and decentralized renewable energy systems can enhance gender equality and empower women and youth.
Although food systems have been transforming, driven by ever increasing efficiency and productivity, they still fail to provide sufficient and reliable food supplies, whilst concurrently contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Panel 1 on ‘Scaling Up Food Productivity’ will examine how the integration of renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements can make a significant contribution to a sustainable and inclusive transformation of food systems. The panel will explore the measures that can trigger productivity improvements while creating market demand for energy services and examine options for affordable commercial financing. The panel will also discuss how food system transformation can maximize the leadership, participation in and benefits for women and youth.
Recent developments in digital applications provide a means to accelerate the integration of sustainable energy into food systems. Panel 2 on ‘Smart Food Systems’ will examine how digitalization and improved access to data can accelerate the speed and scale of energy-food system transformation and improve energy access, making it practically and economically viable, whilst ensuring that the gender digital divide is not further exacerbated.
Although digitalization provides opportunities to attract youth and women to the energy sector, there is a need to ensure equitable access and build capacities to tackle the digital divide.