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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 in 2009, civil society and business have also been involved through the CSIPM and PSM mechanisms. This participatory approach is considered unique within the UN system.

Mandate and Objectives

At the 53rd session in fall 2025, Prof. Al-Nabulsi (JOR) was elected as the new Chair, the policy recommendation on strengthening urban and peri-urban food systems was adopted, and the mid-term review of the CFS Multi-Year Program of Work 2024–2027 (MyPoW) was presented.

In addition, key food security issues were addressed, such as:

• 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): Preparation of scientific reports on selected topics as a basis for developing policy recommendations.
• Permanent CFS Secretariat: Supports the Chair and members, and manages organization.

Funding

The CFS is jointly funded by the FAO, the WFP, and the IFAD. Additional voluntary contributions from member states are required for it to be fully operational.

As of February 2026

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