In historic Samarkand, Uzbekistan, leading thinkers from around the globe convened for an international conference on food security to discuss a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for the world's agrifood systems. The event was organized by the Government of Uzbekistan, with technical support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Speakers and participants discussed the current state of global food security, identified key challenges and viable solutions, and evaluated progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 2 on ‘Zero Hunger.’

Amid mounting global challenges such as climate change, the conference aimed to outline a future where food systems are more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient through innovative and digital approaches. The Samarkand Declaration emphasizes the transformative potential of innovation and digitalization in enhancing food accessibility for vulnerable and rural populations.

On the sidelines of the conference, FAO displayed affordable options aimed at smallholders. This exhibit highlighted the Digital Villages Initiative and "Smart Farming for the Future Generation" project, which seeks to enhance agricultural production and revitalize rural areas by democratizing access to digital technologies. The exhibition displayed low-cost, yet high-quality greenhouse sensors piloted in two Uzbek villages to promote smarter farming methods.

“Innovation is the key to sustainable agriculture and rural development,” said Daniela Di Gianantonio, FAO’s Digital Agriculture Team Leader. “By empowering youth to replicate these devices at low cost, we can make technology more affordable to smallholders.”