The HLEG will consist of 19 international experts from different disciplines and continents, under the chairmanship of Tom Arnold, Chair of the Irish 2030 Agri-Food Strategy Committee, who will work in close cooperation with the EC’s DG Research & Innovation and other key EC departments.
Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Mariya Gabriel said: "Sustainable and inclusive food systems are a challenge, which require a coordinated and global approach. I look forward to the valuable insights from the experts on how the EU can further contribute to a better food systems governance supported by science."
Patrick Child, Deputy Director-General for Research and Innovation and John Bell, Director for the Healthy Planet Directorate welcomed the members of the EG at a kick-off meeting today. The opening was followed by a guest lecture by Prof Joachim Von Braun, Chair of the UN Food Systems Summit Scientific Group.
The HLEG is expected to work for a duration of 18 months. Early findings are expected by June 2021 as a tangible EU deliverable to the UN Food Systems Pre-Summit planned for July 2021. Moreover, the feedback and outcomes of the Pre-Summit and Summit will inspire and guide the second part of the HLEG’s work, to be completed by May 2022, and consisting of a set of options and policy recommendations for further strengthening the international science-policy interface for improved food systems governance.