As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the trade war between China and the US,
competing paradigms on the relationship between food trade and security have become
more complex than ever ahead of the UN World Food Systems Summit in 2021. The
opportunities presented by food trade liberalisation are under threat as more and more
developed economies turn to protectionism to insulate themselves against the pandemic.
This is jeopardising the food security of countries that depend on food imports. With
food reliance under siege, especially in the developing world, the World Food Systems
Summit should focus on strengthening local and indigenous food systems that create self-sufficiency. The G20’s food security initiatives have the potential to push for a food security
framework that synchronises domestic policy reforms in its community and strengthens
strategic policy coordination among the major global players.
