Europe and Central Asia set sights on sustainable and innovative agriculture

The 32nd Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Europe (ERC32), hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan, took place online from 2 to 4 November 2020, drawing the highest attendance in its history. FAO Members from Europe and Central Asia used the occasion to reinforce their commitment to a sustainable transformation of agri-food systems and healthy diets through digital innovation, as well as creating inclusive growth in rural areas, and advancing youth employment in the region.

The Regional Conference welcomed over 31 ministers and deputy-ministers, in addition to 270 representatives from 51 Members in Europe and Central Asia. Representatives of international organizations, civil society and the private sector also participated.  

In his opening remarks, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu talked about the challenges and achievements in the region, describing the region’s first virtual Regional Conference as “a great success also due to the engagement with non-state actors, partner organizations, civil society, and - for the first time - the private sector," he noted.

European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski underscored the European Union’s commitment to supporting the development and transformation of the agricultural sectors and rural areas of many countries in the region. “In this manner, the European Union will ensure progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 agenda,” he said.

Chair of the Council of the EU AGRIFAO Working Party, and Head of Division of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Susanne Schlaak, put the spotlight on the United Nations Decade of Family Farming. “It provides a vital opportunity to strengthen political commitment and policy support to family farming as a key ingredient of a sustainable food system,” she explained.

FAO members expressed their commitment to a positive outcome at the United Nations Food Systems Summit 2021, while stressing that, under current trends, the world is not on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Recordings of the event are available here: day 1, day 2, day 3