This Call to Action seeks to unite National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and sub- regional, regional and global stakeholders in transformative agrifood research and innovation.
Through the GNC, we aim to address pressing challenges in agri-food systems, and contribute to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
A Unified Commitment
We, the undersigned organizations, recognize the critical challenges facing global agrifood systems. As key stakeholders in agrifood research and innovation, we acknowledge our shared responsibility to drive sustainable transformation, with NARS at the forefront.
Through the GNC initiative, we commit to safeguarding agriculture, land, soil, and water resources while improving the resilience and prosperity of smallholder farmers. Together, we will drive collective action for lasting impact.
The United Nations Food Systems Summit+2 marks a key milestone in advancing sustainable food systems. In alignment with this effort, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening NARS and amplifying their global voice through the GNC.
The Five Pillars of the GNC
By signing this Call to Action, we commit to advancing one or more of the five GNC pillars and engaging in activities that align with our priorities and the GNC’s mission.
1. Global representation
Ensure that NARS are involved in research partnerships, funding decisions, and policy-making.
2. Collaborative research
Facilitate partnerships with global communities of experts – including NARS, sub-regional and Regional Fora, CGIAR and other leading organizations* – to tackle agrifood challenges through joint research and resource mobilization and sharing.
3. Knowledge sharing
Establish dynamic platforms to exchange best practices, research finding and insights, and agrifood innovations across borders and disciplines.
4. Capacity development
Strengthen NARS by providing targeted training, workshops, and resources to enhance technical expertise and innovation.
5. Policy support
Advocate for and support evidence-based policies that promote
sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural development at national, sub-regional, regional, and global levels.
*AARINENA (Association of Agricultural Research Institutions in the Near East and North Africa), APAARI (Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions), CACAARI (Central Asia and the Caucasus Association of Agricultural Research Institutions), EFARD (European Forum on Agricultural Research for Development), FARA (Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa) and FORAGRO (Forum for the Americas on Agricultural Research and Technology Development).