What is CFS?
The Committee on World Food Security (CFS) was set up in 1974 as an intergovernmental body to serve as a forum for review and follow up of food security policies. In 2009 the Committee went through a reform process to ensure that the voices of other stakeholders were heard in the global debate on food security and nutrition. The vision of the reformed CFS is to be the most inclusive international and intergovernmental platform for all stakeholders to work together in a coordinated way to ensure food security and nutrition for all. CFS was reformed to address short term crises but also long term structural issues. The Committee reports annually to Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC).

Who is part of CFS?
CFS is made up of Members, Participants and Observers. The membership of the Committee is open to all Member States of The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) or The World Food Programme (WFP) and non-Member States of FAO that are Member States of the United Nations. Member States are encouraged to participate in CFS sessions at the highest level possible. Participants can be from representatives of UN agencies and bodies, civil society and non-governmental organizations and their networks, international agricultural research systems, international and regional financial institutions and representatives of private sector associations and private philanthropic foundations. CFS may invite other interested organizations relevant to its work to observe entire sessions or specific agenda items.  

The High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE) was created in October 2009 as an essential part of the CFS reform.  The Steering Committee of the HLPE is appointed by CFS and it selects and manages Project Teams that provide scientific knowledge-based analysis and advice.  HLPE reports are produced independently from CFS and its findings and recommendations serve as a basis for CFS discussions.