 Hundreds of millions of small scale producers and pastoralists rely on livestock for their living. In addition to providing nutritious animal source foods, livestock provides products like fibre and leather and a wide range of services beyond ecosystem services, employment, income, insurance and draft power. These are important for small scale producers and provide income for a multitude of traders and processes along different value chains. Improved feeding, adapted genetics, good animal health and welfare, good husbandry and efficient information technology are driving up the productivity of livestock. Small scale producers require access to information, services and inputs to fully utilise the potential of livestock. The sustainable transformation of livestock systems should ensure that natural resources are used efficiently to minimise environmental externalities. Circular economy principles can better connect crop and livestock value chains at a larger scale. Information and communication technologies can play a crucial role in enhancing productivity and contribute to environmental and economic sustainability. Along the value chain these technologies contribute to reducing food loss and waste, improving food safety and adding value to eggs, milk and meat. The one health approach is crucial for tackling health threats at the interface between animals, humans and the environment, thereby helping to reduce antimicrobial resistance, ensure food safety and prevent future pandemics. Sustainable livestock production systems play a crucial role in achieving better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations provides a forum for all to meet the challenges of a sustainable livestock transformation.