28/07/2025
VP Koung backs climate-smart agriculture and fair trade at UN Food Systems Summit in Addis Ababa
By Chester Dolo | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung delivered a passionate address at the UN Food Systems Summit +4, calling for climate-aligned financing, inclusive agricultural transformation, and fair trade practices that ensure no child goes to bed hungry. Representing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Vice President highlighted Liberia’s commitment to building resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart food systems.
Held at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) headquarters in Addis Ababa, the summit opened with remarks by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who called for a global rethinking of development priorities.
In his remarks, Vice President Koung echoed Africa’s collective call for climate finance to be directed toward food systems, urging that investments focus on smallholder farmers, women and youth, and digital innovation to drive agricultural productivity.
“Liberia is ready to work with global partners to ensure that food systems feed our people, power our economies, and protect our planet,” VP Koung said.
The Summit gathered several global leaders and high-ranking officials, including:Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy and Co- Host of the submit, Her Excellency Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. President William Ruto of Kenya, H.E. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, Hon. Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria, Hon. Jessica Alupo, Vice President of Uganda, Hon. Eduardo Martínez Díaz, Deputy Prime Minister of Cuba
The UN Food Systems Summit +4 served as a platform to assess progress since the 2021 Summit and forge new commitments toward sustainable food systems by 2030. With Africa’s united voice and global solidarity, the message was clear: it’s time for bold, inclusive action to end hunger and secure food systems for future generations.
About the written: Chester Dolo is an Award -Winning Liberian journalist reporting from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he is accompanying Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung at the UN Food Systems Summit +4.
