Global Groups Challenge UN Food Summit, Demand Climate Action

As the COP 26 climate conference continues in Glasgow, the Global People’s Summit (GPS) on Food Systems has announced strong support for its Declaration. 566 groups from 78 countries have endorsed the document, which calls for fair and sustainable food systems and an end to corporate control.

Key points:

1. The GPS is a counter-summit to the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS).
2. The Declaration highlights the link between the climate crisis and global hunger, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Critics say both the UNFSS and COP 26 rely too heavily on corporate solutions.
4. Grassroots and marginalized groups feel sidelined in these official events.

The GPS organizers plan to submit their Declaration to various international bodies, including the UN Secretary-General.

The Declaration focuses on four main areas:

1. Food sovereignty and democratic food policies
2. Sustainable production, distribution, and consumption
3. People’s rights to land and resources
4. Access to adequate, safe, and culturally-appropriate food

Malcolm Guy of the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) criticized the focus on corporate-led solutions at COP 26, saying it preserves power and profit for “imperialist actors.”

Sylvia Mallari of the People’s Coalition on Food Sovereignty (PCFS) emphasized the need for people-led actions to address global hunger and the climate crisis.

The GPS organizers are also participating in today’s Global Day of Action for Climate Justice, coinciding with the COP 26 conference.

This global effort brings together a diverse coalition of 22 regional and international organizations, challenging the official narrative of UN-led summits and calling for more grassroots involvement in addressing food and climate issues.