Unite to Revolutionize Food Systems: Aiming for Sustainable Local Solutions

Monday, August 26, 2024/// DYCA PIO

Colonia, Yap – On Friday, August 23rd, a meeting was held at the Governor's Office, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the United Nation Food System Summit. Attendees included Honorable Governor Chieng, Honorable Lt. Governor Itimai, Yap Catholic High School Principal Michael Weincek, National Government Program Manager for Trade Stanely Raffilman, and Project Manager for the Food System Solution Project Keenen Weirlangt. Also in attendance were Dr. Yuri and Deina Saeital from Rutgers University.

The primary focus of the meeting was to outline the purpose and goals of the Food System Summit, which is designed to revolutionize the global approach to food production, consumption, and perception within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The summit aims to tackle pressing global challenges such as poverty, food security, malnutrition, population growth, climate change, and the management of natural resources.

Discussions also delved into the broader concept of food systems, which encompasses all aspects of feeding and nourishing people. The meeting highlighted three essential tasks for food systems: ensuring food security and nutrition for a growing population, supporting the livelihoods of millions of people working within the food supply chain, and achieving these goals in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Furthermore, the objectives of the Food System Solutions Project were discussed. This initiative aims to advance progress on all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a food systems approach. A key focus is on increasing the production of local products, such as breadfruit chips, banana chips, and coconut milk oil, to reduce dependency on imported goods. The Program and Project Managers, along with their teams, are currently conducting community surveys to gather input data and guide the project's direction.

(For more information, please contact DYCA at 350-2168.)