Dhaka, Bangladesh – The government’s commitments to transform food systems and accelerate progress towards Agenda 2030 following last year’s United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) were discussed at a workshop today.

Speakers stressed the importance of supporting agri-food entrepreneurs and innovative business ideas to boost progress. Senior government officials working in food and agriculture sectors reaffirmed their commitments made in the National Pathway Document.

The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Food under its Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU) at the BIAM Foundation Auditorium in Dhaka, in collaboration with FAO and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).

Around 100 participants, representing ministries, government agencies, and development partners, attended the workshop. FAO, together with other UN country teams and GAIN, supported the government’s successful participation at the summit, and in preparing the Pathway Document.

Robert D. Simpson, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, said: “The Pathway Document is owned by all ministries and agencies involved in bettering food systems, from production to consumption. It is a document of the Government of Bangladesh but we have to work together to realise its commitments. The next step is to prioritise, set targets, and implement a plan of action.”

Dr. Ahmed Kaikaus, Principal Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office, was chief guest. Mr. Md. Ruhul Amin Talukder, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Dr. Mohammad Yamin Chowdhury, Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock were special guests. Honourable Secretary, Ministry of Food, Dr. Mosammat Nazmanara Khanum, Secretary, Ministry of Food, chaired the programme.