ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Kung delivered a compelling address at the United Nations Food Systems Summit Plus 4 (UNFSS+4), expressing deep gratitude on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., and the Liberian people to Ethiopia and Italy for hosting this important appraisal summit.
Highlighting the summit’s significance, VP Kung stated, “Four years after the inaugural United Nations Food Systems Summit, we gather once again to reflect on our progress, refine our strategies, and accelerate our shared efforts toward sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems.” He emphasized that, in Liberia, food systems extend beyond agriculture—they are key drivers of peace, equity, and national resilience.
Kung reaffirmed Liberia’s dedication to food systems transformation through its National Pathway for Food Systems Transformation. He identified three strategic priorities:
Nutrition-sensitive agriculture, targeting malnutrition and stunting among vulnerable groups;
Climate-smart agricultural practices, designed in partnership with local farmers and cooperatives;
Inclusive governance frameworks, promoting the active participation of youth, women, and marginalized communities.
Underscoring the importance of accountability, VP Kung challenged global leaders to assess whether their actions are truly reaching and uplifting underserved populations. “The true measure of this summit lies not in statistics, but in accountability,” he asserted. “We must ask ourselves honestly: Are we effectively addressing the hunger that fosters despair?”
Kung also emphasized the value of regional collaboration for lasting transformation and reiterated Liberia’s strong commitment to the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He stressed the critical link between food security and peacebuilding, particularly for nations emerging from conflict or facing fragility.
Looking ahead, Liberia reaffirmed its support for the global food systems agenda. Concluding his remarks, VP Kung urged global stakeholders to move beyond declarations and focus on tangible, transformative action. “Let us be remembered not just for what we pledged here,” he said, “but for the bold steps we take toward sustainability, human dignity, resilience, and lasting change for future generations.”
