News in Brief:
– The 34th FAO Regional Conference for Europe highlights the need to strengthen agrifood system resilience amid conflicts and environmental challenges.
– Discussions center on localising priorities, enhancing innovation, and supporting farmers amidst trade disruptions and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The 34th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Europe commenced with a focus on bolstering the resilience of agrifood systems amidst ongoing conflicts and environmental pressures.
Director-General QU Dongyu emphasised the critical need for sustainable transformation in agrifood systems, particularly in light of regional conflicts, environmental crises, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, he highlighted Europe’s potential for agrifood system leadership and innovation.
With 53 Member countries and the European Union in attendance, the conference aims to localise priorities and establish collective objectives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discussions centered on leadership, partnership, and national ownership of efforts to address issues such as natural disasters, the pandemic, and regional conflicts.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has significantly disrupted trade flows and agrifood markets, affecting countries reliant on agricultural exports. FAO is closely monitoring these implications and providing support to Members. Additionally, the agency advocates for increased resilience, humanitarian responses, and responsible investments in agriculture to support farmers and enhance food security.
FAO stressed the importance of innovation and responsible investments in technology, policy, and finance to build climate-resilient agrifood systems while protecting biodiversity. Initiatives such as the AgriTech Observatory and the Green Agriculture technical cooperation program demonstrate FAO’s commitment to supporting digitalisation and sustainable practices in the region.
Hans Hoogeveen, Independent Chairperson of the FAO Council, urged Members to prioritise rebuilding agrifood systems in conflict-ridden countries and empower youth in agrifood policy decisions. He emphasised the need for innovative solutions and increased public investment to address regional food insecurity challenges.
