The International Dairy Federation (IDF) has signed the Paris Dairy Declaration on Sustainability during the IDF World Dairy Summit 2024 in Paris, France. This declaration reinforces the commitment of the dairy sector to sustainable practices across the entire value chain, aiming to meet the UN’s 2030 Agenda goals for food security and sustainability. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders in the dairy industry to tackle global challenges.
The International Dairy Federation (IDF), recognized as the global voice of the dairy sector and a leading source of expertise and scientific knowledge, has unveiled the Paris Dairy Declaration on Sustainability at the conclusion of the IDF World Dairy Summit 2024. This pivotal document aims to reinforce the dairy industry’s commitment to a sustainable transformation across the entire value chain.
The IDF aligns with the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) definition of sustainability, which emphasizes the need to meet the demands of both current and future generations while ensuring profitability, environmental health, and social and economic equity. This vision outlines the expectation that sustainable food and agriculture (SFA) will contribute to the four pillars of food security: availability, access, utilization, and stability. It calls for engagement from all participants in the dairy value chain, from farmers and processors to dairy unions and scientists, all of whom are represented by the IDF globally.
Building upon the Dairy Declaration of Rotterdam established in 2016, the Paris Declaration aims to showcase ongoing efforts within the dairy sector while recognizing that much work remains to be done. With only six years remaining until the UN’s 2030 Agenda deadline, urgency is paramount in addressing specific agricultural challenges, particularly those related to Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger.
IDF Director General Laure Rycken emphasized, “The global dairy sector must continue the journey to answer the call of the 2030 agenda in less than six years, showcasing its responsibility in confronting these challenges.”
The Paris Declaration outlines the dairy sector’s tangible commitments towards various sustainability pillars, including climate change, nutrition, health, economic security, and the stewardship of natural resources. This initiative resonated during the IDF Dairy Leaders Forum, where participants shared their efforts and initiatives.
However, the IDF acknowledges that achieving these goals requires supportive environments and collaboration with governments, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), and other stakeholders. The dairy sector is a vital source of essential nutrients, providing nourishment to approximately six billion people worldwide and generating livelihoods for one billion individuals.
IDF President Piercristiano Brazzale stated,
“This enormous service to humanity cannot be compromised and should be prioritized in discussions surrounding the global dairy sector.”
Piercristiano Brazzale, IDF President
He underscored the need for public-private dialogue to effectively address global challenges.
By signing this declaration alongside the FAO, the IDF continues its partnership with the world’s foremost authority in food and agriculture. The organization calls on member country delegations, dairy leaders, and stakeholders to endorse the document and actively engage in efforts to achieve the outlined sustainability goals.
The Paris Dairy Declaration on Sustainability is a significant step forward in the dairy sector’s ongoing commitment to responsible practices and sustainable development, underscoring the vital role dairy plays in global food security and nutrition.Access the full declaration here
