Abstract
The food we eat connects human health to the health of our planet, but our global food system is currently failing both. Food is directly or indirectly linked to all of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and it is clear that we need a well-managed food system that can deliver both healthy and sustainably-produced food in order to achieve these. However, key questions remain and a lack of scientific consensus has been hindering governments, businesses and civil society actors who want to advance action on food. The report from the EAT-Lancet Commission on Food, Planet, Health is a progressive step towards changing this. The Commission is an unprecedented multi-disciplinary scientific collaboration that proposes scientific targets for healthy diets and sustainable food production and demonstrates that “win-win” solutions for both health and sustainability are possible. The 2030 Agenda provides a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable development that accounts for the complex nature of today’s challenges and the need for coordinated, multi-sectoral action. Cities are one of the key platforms to drive this agenda forward, particularly given that the urban environment is increasingly tied to the wellbeing of children. The world’s population is projected to be 70% urban by 2050, and children born in cities will account for 60% of this urban growth. Of those living in urban areas, roughly 30% live in slums – and children are most severely impacted by the negative consequences. Access to healthy food that is produced and consumed in a way that supports a healthy planet is a core challenge for children in urban environments. There are ongoing efforts to support cities in tackling their food system challenges, including those with direct impacts for children. Cities are demanding increased scientific input to inform the development of their food systems interventions and ways to measure progress towards health and environmental outcomes. In addition, local governments are seeking improved ways to engage with other actors, including businesses, urban planners, and civil society organizations. Addressing the linkages between urban food systems and children during the event, and holding a city-focused workshop on the margins, will engage key stakeholders in determining avenues for cross-sectoral collaboration and leverage points to provide children with healthy and sustainable food. In this session, we aim to provide participants with an overview of the EAT-Lancet Commission report, followed by a discussion of the implications of the upcoming UNICEF 2019 State of the World's Children report for urban planning. A panel addressing key linkages between cities, food, and children's wellbeing will convene to examine interventions from different sectors. The next part of the session will consist of breakout discussions with panelists and participants, each group discussing a particular type of urban food system intervention or leverage point and identifying roles for different stakeholders. The session will conclude with a brief report-back of the main insights that emerged from each group and any identified next steps to take the agenda forward.
