The UN Food Systems Summit Follow-Up Meeting (UNFSS+4) was held from July 27 to 29, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

On the first day, July 27 (Sunday), the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) co-hosted an in-person side event alongside Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), the Ugandan Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), the Vietnam Gardening Association (VGA), Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Greein Inc., and the FAO Forestry Division.

The event began with opening remarks by Dr. Iiyama, Program Director at JIRCAS, who served as the event’s general moderator. This was followed by a keynote speech from Mr. Kubota, Special Analyst at MAFF, introducing Japan’s efforts in transforming its food systems. Dr. Dechassa, Director of EIAR, then delivered a welcome address.

Next, Dr. Hughes, Secretary-General of the World Agricultural Forum and International Scientific Advisory Committee Member for JIRCAS’s Green Asia Project, moderated the panel session, where panelists from various organizations shared experiences on their institutions’ activities—including background, motivation, approaches, tools, achievements, and challenges. The panelists included:

• Dr. Funaki (JIRCAS Project Leader):
  Application of agricultural technologies to improve productivity and ensure sustainable food systems in the Asian monsoon region (Green Asia Project
• Ms. Stopponi (FAO Forestry Division):
  Pilot project on developing “Solution Trees” to help African governments promote agriculture supply chains that positively impact forests
• Mr. Kazungu (Assistant Commissioner, Ugandan Ministry of Water and Environment):
  Public expenditure review and cross-sectoral policy shifts to support forest-positive food systems
• Dr. Ono (Executive Officer, Ajinomoto Co., Inc.):
  Climate-smart and sustainable livestock and agriculture solutions
• Mr. Hanai (CPO, Greein Inc.) & Dr. Mamo (Director, Economic Research, EIAR):
  Public-private digital agriculture pilot project aiming to optimize farming practices for smallholder farmers in Africa (EIAR-Greein-JIRCAS)
• Dr. Thuy (Director of International Cooperation, Vietnam Gardening Association):
  Expert coordination for promoting sustainable and diverse agriculture in Vietnam

Following the presentations, a lively Q&A session was held with the moderator, panelists, and audience. Participants shared experiences and insights on how to balance nutrition-rich food provision and environmental impact reduction, taking into account regional challenges and contexts. This led to a meaningful exchange of innovative ideas and practices.

In closing, Dr. Iiyama summarized the event, emphasizing the role of the Green Asia Project in bridging science and policy. She highlighted the importance of this side event in UNFSS+4 as a platform where public and private sectors, international organizations, and research institutes shared knowledge and reaffirmed a shared vision for sustainable food systems. She concluded by expressing expectations for further strengthened collaboration, marking a successful close to the event.

Presentation materials and updates from the event will be made available at the following webpage:

UNFSS+4 Side-event: “Tailoring Science, Technology, and Innovation to Local Contexts while Advancing Global Agendas: Lessons from Multi-Country, Cross-Sectoral Approaches to Agri-Food Systems Transformation”
https://www.jircas.go.jp/en/event/2025/e20250727