Ms. Rebeccah Wanjiru, Urban Food System Expert at FAO shed light on the profound interdependence between urban and rural areas in the food system. Her sentiments also reiterated innovation as the previous speaker, stressing the need to safeguard the productive capacities of rural regions while promoting innovation within urban spaces. She added that FAO’s comprehensive strategy, the Framework for Urban Food Agenda, aims to strengthen urban-rural linkages and ensure long-term food security and sustainable development.

Mr. Ignacio De La Puerta, Director of Territorial Planning and Urban Agenda, Basque Country Regional Government, Spain, shared the Basque Country’s experience in addressing the challenges faced by rural areas. Measures such as land reclamation methods have been implemented to revitalize agricultural productivity and generate employment opportunities in rural regions. On his part, Mr. Albert Lladó Romer, Policy Officer at United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) emphasized the critical role of intermediary cities as converging points for urban and rural areas. The importance of partnerships at both the technical and political levels was highlighted, along with the establishment of a global observatory of sustainable proximities to promote equitable access to services.

Throughout the discussions, participants engaged with questions, reactions to the several interesting perspectives, and general observations on the topic of the day. Ms. Nela Saborit Director General for Urban Agenda and Urban Renewal, Catalonia Regional Government, Spain, stressed the need for a balanced approach between urban and rural areas, while Inés Sánchez de Madariaga, Professor, Polytechnic University of Madrid, and Chair of Advisory Group on Gender Issues (AGGI) to the Executive Director or UN-Habitat, highlighted the economic challenges faced by rural areas due to urban expansion. Strong emphasis was also placed on the crucial role of gender equality in strengthening urban-rural linkages and supporting women in rural economies.

The session concluded with a call to action, urging participants to join the upcoming UN Food System Summit and the SDG summit to further advocate for stronger, multi-stakeholder partnerships and the integration of urban-rural linkages into sustainable development efforts. The discussions and reactions showcased the growing recognition of the need to strengthen urban-rural linkages for sustainable development. Through collaboration, innovation, and inclusive approaches , a global partnership can be established to foster resilience, equitable access to services, and the preservation of ecosystems. As we move forward in this urban-rural linkage agenda, it remains imperative to continue the dialogue and engage in concerted efforts to create a future where urban and rural areas thrive in harmony, benefiting both people and the planet.