As each country faces its own set of unique challenges and opportunities, the recent United Nations Food Systems Stocktaking Moment 2023 in Rome, Italy, during July 24-26, 2023, provided opportunities for countries to report on progress made at the national level since the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit and their contributions to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.

Rémi Nono Womdim, FAO Representative in Vietnam. Photo: Tung Dinh

This event convened by the UN Secretariat and hosted by the Government of Italy – in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and wider UN system – comes at a critical time as countries look to build momentum for implementation of national food system transformation pathways. These initiatives were developed in the context of the 2021 Food Systems Summit and brought together nations and stakeholders to report on steps forward and opportunities for bolder action.

At the event's closing ceremony, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized the importance of the three-day summit in providing "a holistic window to see where we stand, what we have done so far, and how much we need to do more and better”.

For Vietnam, the 2023 Stocktaking Moment provided a platform for a high-level Government of Vietnam delegation, led by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), to showcase its food system transformation progress to date.

Underpinning this work is the National Action Plan on Food Systems Transformation towards Transparency, Responsibility, and Sustainability in Vietnam by 2030 (NAP-FST), approved by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 28, 2023.

As a global leader in food systems transformation, FAO is uniquely positioned to support Vietnam on its journey to implement the NAP-FST by incorporating systems that reflect the interconnection of food with other systems and promote choices that maximize synergies and avoid unintended consequences, leading to a more resilient and sustainable future.

To achieve this, FAO provides technical support to build on the wealth of local knowledge and Vietnam’s extensive experience in alignment with the strategic vision of the Government to achieve transparent, responsible, and sustainable food systems transformation.

Efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems are essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Accelerating our progress towards achieving the SDGs is crucial as the clock is ticking as we look to 2030.  Achievement is still possible with a strong political commitment to collective and focused action.

Together with support from FAO and partners, Vietnam is well-positioned to realize food systems that are economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable to meet the evolving needs of its citizens.