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

The CFS is supported by the FAO, WFP, and IFAD. Since the reform, civil society and the private sector have been involved through the CSIPM and PSM mechanisms.

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

Tasks and Objectives

During its 51st session in autumn 2023, the CFS adopted a work program for 2024–2027. In the subsequent 52nd session (CFS52), central topics related to food security were addressed, including:

• Ongoing conflicts that hinder access to food
• Climate change and its impact on crop yields
• Economic inequalities driving up food prices
• Disruptions in global supply chains

Previous CFS sessions produced relevant guidelines, including:

• Voluntary Guidelines on Food Systems (2021)
• Policy recommendations to promote youth in agriculture (2022)
• Guidelines on Gender Equality (2023)

These guidelines aim to strengthen the right to food and improve global food security by promoting equitable access to food, making food systems more sustainable, and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities to crises.

Structure

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

The structure of the CFS includes:

• CFS Plenary: Annual meetings in October in Rome for decision-making and discussions.
• CFS Bureau: A bureau made up of a chair and representatives from twelve member states, responsible for administrative tasks between plenary sessions.
• Advisory Group: Supports the CFS Bureau and includes representatives from civil society and the private sector, as well as international organizations.
• Permanent CFS Secretariat: Provides support to the chair and members.
• High-Level Panel of Experts (HLPE): Produces scientific reports that serve as the basis for policy discussions in the CFS.

Funding

The CFS is jointly funded by the FAO, WFP, and IFAD, which provide staff and the majority of the core budget. Additionally, the CFS requires extra voluntary contributions from member states for full operational capacity.

As of November 2024

CFS Chair
Nosipho Nausca-Jean Jezile, Republic of South Africa, since October 2023

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

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