FAO has unveiled its new Green Cities Initiative and Action Plan to help transform agri-food systems, end hunger and improve nutrition in and around the cities in a post-Covid-19 era. The launch took place at a high-level virtual event entitled "Green Cities to Build Back Better for SDGs - A New Powerful Venture" hosted by FAO during the 75th session of the UN General Assembly.
Highlighting the vast potential of cities in reducing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on people's health and food security and contributing to climate change mitigation, FAO director-general Qu Dongyu encouraged all partners to appreciate the essential role of cities in building back better and the urgency of innovative, comprehensive and coordinated actions.
"For cities to become much greener, more resilient and regenerative, we need to rethink the way urban and peri-urban areas are designed and managed", he said in his opening remarks at the event. "With only 10 years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals", Qu Dongyu added, "we need a fundamental change of mindset and remodelling our business approaches".
A new way of thinking
FAO Green Cities Initiative aims to improve the livelihoods and well-being of urban and peri-urban populations in at least 100 cities (15 metropolitan, 40 intermediary and 45 small cities) around the world in the next three years, looking to have 1,000 cities join by 2030.
In particular, the initiative is focussed on improving the urban environment, strengthening urban-rural linkages and the resilience of urban systems, services and populations to external shocks. Ensuring access to a healthy environment and healthy diets from sustainable food systems, it will also contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation and sustainable resource management.
The new initiative also includes the creation of a "Green Cities Network", where cities of all sizes - from megapolis to medium to small - will exchange experiences on best practices, successes and lessons, as well as build city-to-city cooperation opportunities.
FAO will enhance its work with local and national authorities, city councils, mayors, the private sector, academic institutions and international organisations, and engage with urban communities - especially with women and young people.
"The initiative we are launching today is a product of a new way of thinking. I hope that you are inspired to join us and support it by your innovative way of implementation!", the FAO director-general concluded.