ICC calls for public–private collaboration to achieve global food security

The Forum, hosted by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) within the framework of the World Food Forum, marked FAO’s 80th anniversary and brought together heads of state, international organisations, and private sector leaders to advance investment partnerships for sustainable food systems.

During his opening remarks, Mr Denton also announced the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding between ICC and FAO – reaffirming a shared commitment to mobilise private sector expertise and networks to eradicate hunger, reduce poverty and promote inclusive and sustainable growth.

“Transforming agrifood systems at scale requires public–private collaboration,” Mr Denton said. “Our renewed partnership reflects growing trust between ICC and FAO—and the exponential growth in private sector engagement with FAO’s vision for agrifood systems transformation.”

ICC’s delegation to this year’s Forum comprised more than 100 member companies from ICC’s global network spanning 170 countries —underscoring business readiness to be an active partner in building effective public–private partnerships that deliver real impact for people and communities.

Building connections for impact

Mr Denton later address an inaugural networking reception hosted by ICC and FAO – in collaboration with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the Chefs’ Manifesto. Aiming to bring together diverse stakeholders to accelerate investment and innovation in agrifood systems transformation, the reception convened CEOs, government representatives and development finance institutions in an informal setting.

“Relationships, trust, and shared values are the foundation for innovation, resilience, and shared prosperity,” Mr Denton said. “The friendships we form tonight can become the partnerships that feed the world tomorrow.”

ICC’s Agri-Food initiative

The ICC Agri-Food Initiative mobilises business expertise to strengthen food security, promote sustainable trade, and improve livelihoods across global value chains. Today it serves as a platform for knowledge exchange between public and private actors in more than 30 countries, with a goal to expand to 150 by 2027.  Celebrating eight decades of FAO leadership, ICC reaffirmed its role as a trusted partner and global business platform helping to transform shared goals into scalable solutions for hunger, poverty and sustainability.

“Global challenges demand global solutions,” Mr Denton concluded. “By working hand in hand, we can truly transform agrifood systems and livelihoods at scale.”