United Nations Launches Green Cities Initiative to End Hunger

A plan by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization seeks to transform agri-food systems, end hunger and improve nutrition in and around cities in a post-COVID-19 era. The Green Cities Initiative and Action Plan announced this week aims to improve the livelihoods and well-being of populations in at least 100 cities around the world in the next three years, looking to have 1,000 cities join by 2030. In particular, the initiative is focused 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 large to medium to small – will exchange experiences on best practices, successes and lessons, as well as build city-to-city cooperation opportunities.