Advancing SDG 7 and SDG 11 through Sustainable Food Systems

Scope and Objectives

On 15 June 2026, 10:00-13:00 CEST, the EESC's Sustainable Development Observatory (SDO) and Permanent Group on Sustainable Food Systems (PG) will hold a joint public meeting to explore how sustainable food systems can advance the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in today’s geopolitical and environmental landscape.

The meeting will focus on SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), both under review at the 2026 UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). 

As the EESC prepares to participate in the HLPF, this discussion will examine the role of organised civil society and sustainable food systems in achieving these goals, while showcasing European policy solutions and best practices.

The event will:

• Open with a presentation of the IPES-Food report, The New Geopolitics of Food, analysing how geopolitical tensions, climate change, supply chain disruptions and market volatility are reshaping global food systems and food security.
• Debate how to advance SDG 7 through the energy transition in agri-food systems, covering:
  • Innovative approaches to renewable energy deployment in agriculture.
  • Energy resilience and circular solutions in food production.
  • The role of farmers, cooperatives, businesses and communities in accelerating the transition to sustainable food systems.
• Explore how sustainable public food procurement can contribute to SDG 11 by fostering sustainable cities and communities, including:
  • The role of public authorities, food system actors, workers’ representatives, researchers and civil society in promoting local, seasonal and sustainable food.
  • Strategies for resilient food systems that generate positive social, environmental and economic impacts.

The meeting will bring together EESC members, EU institution representatives, local authorities, research organisations, civil society, social partners and food system practitioners, who will share concrete examples and innovative solutions from across Europe.

🎬 The event will be web-streamed live on our website. ✅ No registration required. 

🔊 Interpretation available in EN, FR and ES.

Context

The global food system is facing unprecedented challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to geopolitical instability and economic volatility. These pressures are reshaping how food is produced, distributed and consumed, with far-reaching implications for energy use, urban sustainability and social equity.

As the 2026 UN High-level Political Forum (HLPF) prepares to review SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), the need for integrated, cross-sectoral solutions has never been clearer. Sustainable food systems play a pivotal role in this transition, offering pathways to:

• Decarbonise agri-food supply chains through renewable energy adoption and circular economy practices.
• Strengthen urban resilience by promoting localised, sustainable food procurement that reduces environmental footprints while supporting social cohesion and economic fairness.
• Empower communities, farmers and businesses to lead the shift towards low-carbon, regenerative and equitable food systems.

Against this backdrop, the EESC’s engagement in the HLPF provides a timely opportunity to highlight civil society’s contributions and European policy innovations that can drive progress on these critical goals. This meeting will serve as a platform to exchange insights, identify challenges and propose actionable recommendations for a just and sustainable food future.

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