Food systems offer a unique opportunity to accelerate implementation of the KMGBF by addressing the underlying drivers of biodiversity loss while delivering broader sustainable development outcomes. 

While agriculture and food systems are among the largest drivers of biodiversity loss, they also provide a critical opportunity to advance implementation of the KMGBF by integrating biodiversity considerations across production systems, value chains, landscape management and governance. As countries implement their updated National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), there is an urgent need to strengthen policy coherence and reduce trade-offs between biodiversity strategies, National Food Systems Transformation Pathways, and broader food systems policies and investments. Although many updated NBSAPs recognize agriculture as a key driver of biodiversity loss, there remains considerable opportunity to position food systems as a cross-sectoral framework for implementation by aligning biodiversity priorities with national food systems agendas, investment strategies and financing mechanisms. The growing integration of food systems into recently updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) demonstrates how a food systems approach can connect biodiversity, climate and development priorities, mobilize investment, and strengthen policy coherence across national frameworks, supporting more integrated implementation of the KMGBF. 

This side event will examine how food systems transformation can accelerate implementation of the KMGBF through integrated policy, governance, partnerships and financing. Drawing on a global review of updated NBSAPs and experiences from selected Joint SDG Fund-supported programmes, the discussion will explore opportunities to better mainstream biodiversity across food systems investment frameworks and financing mechanisms. Particular attention will be given to how integrated UN support, under the leadership of Resident Coordinators, is strengthening policy coherence, fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, promoting nature-positive value chains and aligning finance with national biodiversity and development priorities.

The experience of the UN Joint SDG Fund demonstrates how catalytic financing, combined with integrated programming, can translate policy ambition into systemic change. By convening governments, UN entities, development partners, international financial institutions and the private sector around shared national priorities, relatively modest strategic investments can catalyse policy reform, mobilize additional public and private finance, reduce investment risks and accelerate nature-positive food systems transformation at scale. 

Discussions will explore how countries can move from policy alignment to coordinated implementation across environment, agriculture, finance and planning institutions; the governance, financing and data systems needed to scale nature-positive food systems; and how the UN system and financing partners can support countries in translating biodiversity commitments into integrated, investable action. Participation by the Government of Armenia will be sought to share national perspectives on advancing integrated approaches to biodiversity, food systems and economic development. The discussion will also explore how integrating biodiversity considerations into economic development and food systems planning can generate mutually reinforcing outcomes for nature, livelihoods and sustainable economic growth. 

The panel, expected to be comprised of representatives from national and local governments (such as Armenia, Cameroon, the Dominican Republic, Ghana and Lao PDR), the United Nations system (UNEP, FAO, the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, the UN Joint SDG Fund, UN DCO and UNDP), international financial institutions and multilateral development banks (including IFAD, ADB and IDB), biodiversity finance initiatives, development partners and the private sector, will highlight practical experiences and lessons in strengthening policy coherence, mobilizing finance and advancing integrated approaches to biodiversity and food systems transformation.