01 December 2025
Food Systems Transformation in ASEAN: Debates and Way Forward
Synopsis
There has been a rising chorus of organisations calling for the need for food systems transformation (FST) globally in furthering the sustainable development goals. Yet, FST remains a much-debated issue, given differences in beliefs on the types of transformations needed, and how these are to be achieved. These include debates over government support to agriculture as going against free trade norms; disagreements surrounding the prioritisation of environmental concerns amidst climate change’s negative impacts on food supplies; and issues over the benefits and challenges in implementing environmental social governance (ESG) frameworks. Such global debates, however, are better addressed when contextualised at the lower geographic levels, considering the unique circumstances of regions and countries. We highlight their relevance in Southeast Asia, and argue for the need for a pragmatic approach to FST.
Synopsis
There has been a rising chorus of organisations calling for the need for food systems transformation (FST) globally in furthering the sustainable development goals. Yet, FST remains a much-debated issue, given differences in beliefs on the types of transformations needed, and how these are to be achieved. These include debates over government support to agriculture as going against free trade norms; disagreements surrounding the prioritisation of environmental concerns amidst climate change’s negative impacts on food supplies; and issues over the benefits and challenges in implementing environmental social governance (ESG) frameworks. Such global debates, however, are better addressed when contextualised at the lower geographic levels, considering the unique circumstances of regions and countries. We highlight their relevance in Southeast Asia, and argue for the need for a pragmatic approach to FST.
