The countries of Latin America and the Caribbean set new priorities of FAO in the region to transform agri-food systems and ensure food security

The 38th FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean concluded with the unanimous support of the thirty-three member States to the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31 and the four priorities that will guide the work of the Organization during the next biennium. 

The four interconnected regional priorities reflect the Four FAO Improvements, four interconnected dimensions that will contribute to the transformation of agri-food systems through the promotion of more efficient, inclusive and sustainable production; ending hunger and achieving food security and nutrition; sustainable management of natural resources and adaptation to climate change; and reducing inequalities and poverty and promoting resilience. 

The Director-General of FAO, QU Dongyu, attended the high-level meeting in Guyana. During the closing ceremony, he expressed the importance of this body as a crucial platform for policy makers to accelerate efforts towards the transformation of agri-food systems to make them more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable, without leaving anyone behind.

In line with the FAO Strategic Framework, the Director-General expressed the Organization's commitment to supporting Members to foster greater cooperation, investment, innovation and technology, both within and outside the region.

"I am pleased to note that the four priorities set for the next biennium are in line with the technical and policy assistance we are ready to provide, and FAO remains committed to supporting the region in achieving transformation to achieve sustainable agri-food systems," said QU.

During the opening ceremony, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, stressed the importance of the Regional Conference and assured that the creation of climate-resilient and protected agri-food systems is a compelling task for the future, and "decision-making must be based on data as far as possible." He also called for more attention to nutrition.

Zulfikar Mustapha, Guyana's Minister of Agriculture and President of the Conference said, "During these days we have addressed issues that are fundamental to our region: fisheries and aquaculture for sustainability; investments for resilience; sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems; reducing hunger and malnutrition through trade as a strategic development momentum in the region, among others." He added that "our work does not end with the closure of this Conference. I urge you to continue to share the reflections, the connections you have made in this Conference, so that our dialogue becomes concrete initiatives that will drive transformative changes in our countries." 

The Regional Conference also held ministerial round tables focused on how to advance fisheries and aquaculture under the approach of Blue Transformation, harnessing trade as a strategic engine to reduce hunger and malnutrition in the region and address the challenges of the water-forest-living nexus-forests-soil in the context of climate change. 

The Conference saw participation by representatives from the thirty-three member countries. Eighteen ministers and three deputy ministers attended in person and eleven ministers and five deputy ministers participated virtually. 

Both the Senior Officials Meeting and the Ministerial Meeting of the Regional Conference were followed by 12,000 persons online, including decision makers and non-governmental actors from academia, scientists, the private sector and civil society. 

The agenda also included special high-level events focused on how science and digital innovation can boost family agriculture, the need for the transformation of agri-food systems in the region's small island developing States, investment targeting through the FAO Mano-hand Initiative, and the drivers and triggers of the outlook relevant to Latin America and the Caribbean.

Brazil to host the next Regional Conference

During the Regional Conference, Brazil announced its decision to host the 39th FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, speaking as President Pro Tempore of the G20, said in a letter, "I am pleased to announce Brazil's willingness to host the 39th FAO Regional Conference in 2026. It will be a unique opportunity to assess our progress and our strategies in food and nutrition security."