More than 400 delegates from over 60 countries have gathered in Paro for the Global Conscious Food Systems Summit, as leaders seek to chart a more sustainable and “conscious” future for global food systems. Hosted by Bhutan in partnership with the UNDP and the Conscious Food Systems Alliance, the summit brings together government leaders, farmers, indigenous representatives, scientists and young changemakers against a growing global food crisis. An estimated 645 million people faced hunger in 2025, while food systems themselves contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, biodiversity loss and pressure on water resources. Climate risks are adding to the challenge, with warnings that a strengthening El Niño could bring droughts, erratic rainfall and crop losses. Bhutan’s own agriculture sector reflects many of these pressures, including a shrinking workforce, fallow farmland and underfunded programmes. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said food systems cannot be sustainable unless farmers are supported and agriculture provides viable livelihoods, particularly for young people. He highlighted the newly launched USD 60 million Bhutan Agri-Sustain Fund as an effort to strengthen the sector, while stressing that mobilising funds must be matched by practical solutions. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya also called for stronger leadership, greater equality and protection of biodiversity. The summit highlights a shared challenge: building food systems that not only feed people, but also protect the environment and make farming a sustainable and attractive livelihood for future generations.
