Niger took centre stage at the second United Nations Food Systems Summit, which opened on 28 July 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The country’s delegation, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakary Yaou Sangaré, brought a clear message to the international community: sustainable food systems in the Sahel are a diplomatic and strategic priority.
Joined by Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Colonel Mahamane Elhadj Ousmane, along with other senior government officials, Sangaré participated in discussions under the summit’s theme, “Harnessing a Changing World for the Future of Sustainable Food Systems.
” The topic holds particular significance for Sahelian nations, where recurring climate shocks, security threats, and economic volatility continue to challenge food production and distribution.
“The summit provides a vital platform for countries like Niger to voice our realities and shape global food strategies,” a Nigerien official stated during the opening sessions.
Demonstrating a blend of proactive diplomacy and regional cooperation, Niger underscored its commitment to reshaping its food systems by strengthening local resilience and international partnerships.
A key highlight of the summit was a strategic meeting between UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J.
Mohammed and agriculture ministers from the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), where discussions centred on the region’s escalating challenges—from devastating droughts and floods to armed conflict.
“These shocks are undermining agricultural productivity and threatening our region’s food sovereignty,” the ministers emphasized.
For Niger, active participation in this global forum aligns with its broader vision of national renewal, where sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and food security go hand in hand.
The government aims to anchor these efforts in both local innovation and global solidarity.
By stepping forward in Addis Ababa, Niger is not only responding to urgent humanitarian needs but also affirming its role as a key actor in crafting Africa’s agricultural future.
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