62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue with SR on climate change
Statement delivered by H.E Ambassador Riia Salsa-Audiffren
on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
19 June 2026
Mr President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for the report on States’ human rights obligations in transforming food systems to mitigate and adapt to climate change and address its impacts.
We trust that effective climate action requires a comprehensive food systems approach across the full food value chain [with the aim to minimise emissions and harm caused to ecosystems and local communities]. Strengthening sustainable and resilient food systems is essential for ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food, reducing emissions and enhancing food security, and strengthening national resilience in the face of climate risks, geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions.
We emphasize transparency, accountability and inclusive food system governance to support equitable and sustainable outcomes. We see clear opportunities to advance environmentally responsible and science-based agricultural practices [utilising nature-based solutions] and encourage healthier and more sustainable consumption choices that benefit both public health and the environment [, while protecting biodiversity, healthy soils and clean water as foundations of climate resilience and long-term food security].
We believe that regional and international cooperation, together with locally-led adaptation [and the inclusion of private businesses and financial institutions,] is essential for accelerating the transformation of food systems, including through knowledge-sharing, best practices and capacity-building, [particularly in support of developing countries and those most exposed to severe climate change impacts].
Madam Special Rapporteur, what are the most practical and effective entry points for States to advance sustainable and resilient food systems in line with climate and human rights obligations and how can we strengthen international cooperation in this regard?
I thank you!