Check against delivery:
Congratulations to the EAT Foundation and to the research team led by Johan Rockström and Walter Willet.
The work undertaken by the EAT-Lancet Commission over the past three years is groundbreaking. It is a valuable contribution to a facts-based approach and a necessary global discussion on how food, health and climate is connected.
Good political decisions must be made on the basis of the most up-to-date and accessible science. Hence, we must continuously be ready to adjust policy in line with the changes taking place in the world today.
In essence, to reach the universally adopted Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, we have to act fast and we have to act now.
The targets of limiting global warming, reduce emissions and support climate adaption as set out in the Paris agreement are supported by an overwhelmingly majority of all UN member states. There are clear linkages between food production and consumption, health, climate and environmental impact.
The EAT-Lancet report brings together knowledge, establishes scientific goals and provides new dimensions that both politicians and societies must consider. It has created debate, as we have seen here today. Such exchange of views is essential in a democracy. The global launch of the report in Oslo on 17th January did not go by unnoticed, it is important to allow room for alternative viewpoints. The Norwegian government is following these discussions with great interest.
In Norway, we are reading the report carefully. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently developing an action plan for sustainable food systems in Norway’s foreign affairs and development policies. We are using a food systems approach to establish our future engagement in food and agriculture. The action plan will be launched this summer.
Norway is partnering with EAT to provide assistance to launches in several countries because we want to help raise new knowledge perhaps especially when this knowledge challenge us. I note that this was also the case here in Geneva. I thank you all for your lively participation.
The EAT-Lancet Commission's work will not go unnoticed. The future will show the power of the message, in our homes – in our society – in our policies. And, not least, on our plates.