G20 Foundation Publications China 2016 | Page 86

FOOD, AGRICULTURE & WATER SHAPING THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD TOGETHER MARK HOLDERNESS GFAR Executive Secretary 86 We all know that humanity faces huge challenges in achieving sustainable development and that we must act now. Our agri-food systems, and our very societies, are threatened by unsustainable consumption habits and production practices, by our failure to provide a viable and sustainable living for young people in rural communities and by the looming spectre of climate change and its impacts on entire ecosystems. We will not overcome these challenges unless we break down the institutionalized barriers and systemic challenges that are stopping agri-food research and innovation from contributing to our sustainable development. GFAR is a unique open forum and a movement for change, bringing together partners from all around the world, from farmers and consumers to upstream research and across public, private and civil sectors. Our goal is effective, responsive and equitable agri-food research and innovation, changing lives for the better and driven by the needs and demands of societies themselves. Working together across millions of stakeholders and through their representative bodies, GFAR addresses 6 key needs in transforming and strengthening agricultural research and innovation: 1. I nclusive foresight to define future needs 2. Equitable partnership in innovation systems 3. Better investment of human, institutional and financial resources 4. Developing human and institutional capacities 5. Embedding agricultural and food innovation in wider development processes 6. Accountability and demonstrated impacts