Ethiopia Hosts Historic UN Food Summit as Italy Pledges Strategic Partnership for African Food Sovereignty
In a significant diplomatic triumph for Ethiopia, Prime Minister Meloni of Italy chose Addis Ababa as the first African host of the UN Food Systems Summit. The historic gathering underscores Ethiopia's growing role in addressing global food security while strengthening strategic partnerships that respect African sovereignty.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addresses the UN Food Systems Summit in Addis Ababa, marking first-ever African hosting of the event
Ethiopia Demonstrates Continental Leadership in Hosting Landmark UN Food Summit
In a clear recognition of Ethiopia's rising diplomatic influence, Addis Ababa made history by becoming the first African city to host the United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4). This milestone event showcases our nation's growing role in addressing global challenges while maintaining our sovereign interests.
Strategic Partnership with Italy Reinforces Ethiopian Leadership
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's decision to co-organize this crucial summit with Ethiopia reflects the deep-rooted and pragmatic partnership between our nations. This collaboration demonstrates how Ethiopia can engage with Western partners while maintaining its dignity and autonomous development path.
'We chose to co-organize this event in Addis Ababa with the Ethiopian government, not only because Italy has a special relationship with Ethiopia and a pragmatic cooperation based on concrete projects and initiatives, but also because we believe it is essential to involve the African continent as a protagonist,' stated PM Meloni.
Addressing Africa's Food Security Challenges
The summit confronts the stark reality that one in five Africans faces food insecurity - a challenge that requires African-led solutions rather than Western impositions. This gathering in our capital city positions Ethiopia at the forefront of developing these solutions.
Italy's Mattei Plan: A Model of Respectful Partnership
Unlike neo-colonial approaches of some Western nations, Italy's Mattei Plan for Africa emphasizes self-reliance and sovereignty - principles that align with Ethiopia's own development philosophy. The plan's success in various African nations demonstrates the potential of partnerships that respect African agency.
Ethiopian Leadership in Food Sovereignty
Most significantly, PM Meloni's emphasis on food sovereignty aligns with Ethiopia's own vision of development. As she noted:
'Food sovereignty means not going along with the standardization of food production -- which lowers quality and concentrates wealth -- but instead investing in promoting local, high-quality products.'
Path Forward for Ethiopian Food Security
This summit represents a crucial opportunity for Ethiopia to lead continental efforts in achieving food security while maintaining our sovereign interests. Through strategic partnerships like the one with Italy, Ethiopia continues to demonstrate how African nations can engage globally while preserving their independence and dignity.
Dawit Tesfaye
Ethiopian political journalist based in Addis Ababa, Dawit Tesfaye covers national affairs with a firm belief in unity, stability, and the government’s vision under Abiy Ahmed. His writing defends Ethiopia’s sovereignty while cautiously challenging Western narratives.