The Committee for World Food Security (CFS) is the United Nations’ forum for reviewing and following up on policies concerning world food security. It also examines issues which affect the world food situation. It was established as a result of the food crisis of the 1970s, upon recommendation from the 1974 World Food Conference.

“Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. It is estimated that more than a billion people, one in every six human beings, may be suffering from under-nourishment.” (FAO)

The rise in food prices in 2007-08, followed by the financial and economic crisis in 2009, has heightened awareness on poverty and hunger issues around the world. Under these pressures, the CFS was reformed in 2008 to become the most inclusive international and intergovernmental platform for all stakeholders to work together to ensure food security and nutrition for all. The CFS Advisory Group was created to hold permanent seats for civil society, the research community and the private sector. For more information on CFS visit here.

CFS holds its 42nd annual plenary session from October 12 till 15, 2015: it is the central body for decision-taking, debate, coordination, lesson-learning and convergence by all stakeholders at a global level on food security issues.

Side events

One of the side events is organized by Fondation FARM on October 13 from 08:30 till 09:30: Enhancing food security through agriculture insurance, a concrete tool for the future of African farmers. For more information, see the flyer.