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Established in 1974 and reformed in 2009, it operates as a multi-stakeholder committee.

It is supported by FAO, WFP, and IFAD, as well as through voluntary contributions from its members.

Since the reform, civil society and the private sector have also been included through the CSIPM and PSM mechanisms.

The High-Level Panel of Experts (HLPE) provides scientific contributions. This participatory approach is considered unique within the UN system.

Mandate and Objectives

At its 53rd session in autumn 2025, the new Chair, Prof. Al-Nabulsi (JOR), was elected, policy recommendations to strengthen urban and peri-urban food systems were adopted, and the mid-term review of the CFS Multi-Year Programme of Work 2024–2027 (MyPOW) was presented. In addition, key food security topics were addressed, including:

• Ongoing conflicts affecting access to food
• Best Practices in the use of CFS products
• Strengthening responsible investments and financing for food security and balanced nutrition

Key policy recommendations and CFS guidelines include:

• Voluntary Guidelines on Food Systems (2021)
• Policy Recommendations for Promoting Youth in Agriculture (2022)
• Guidelines on Gender Equality (2023)
• Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests (VGGT)

The aim is to strengthen the right to food and improve global food security. All stakeholders, particularly governments, are encouraged to ensure equitable access to food, make food systems more sustainable, and enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities to crises.

Structure

The CFS is composed of member states, representatives of UN organizations, civil society, research institutions, international financial institutions, and the private sector. It reports to the UN General Assembly via the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the FAO Conference.

The CFS structure includes:

• CFS Plenary: Annual sessions in October in Rome for decisions, debates, exchange, and information dissemination.
• CFS Bureau: Twelve representatives from the seven world regions carry out administrative tasks between sessions. The Bureau is led by a Chair elected for two years.
• Advisory Group: Supports the CFS Bureau and is composed of UN organizations (including WFP and IFAD), academia, international financial institutions, and representatives of the civil society and private sector mechanisms.
• High-Level Panel of Experts (HLPE): Produces scientific reports on selected topics as a basis for developing CFS products.
• Permanent CFS Secretariat: Supports the Chair and members, and manages organization.

Funding

The CFS is jointly financed by FAO, WFP, and IFAD, which provide staff and the majority of the budget. Additional voluntary contributions from member states are required to ensure full functionality.

As of November 2025

CFS Chair
Prof. Al-Nabulsi, Jordan, since autumn 2025

CFS
Committee on Food Security
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00153 Rome, Italy

Internet: https://www.fao.org/cfs