المنتدى العالمي المعني بالأمن الغذائي والتغذية

This input is based on my personal observation. It does not stand as an opinion from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

In Central Asia, a region where warming as an impact of climate change is faster than the global average, water scarcity and food insecurity are real concerns.

I am a keen collaborator with FAO and have collaborated with its HQ and Geneva office. Now to bring the collaboration to the national level, I have encountered challenges. The IFRC member National Societies (Red Cross or Red Crescent) address humanitarian and its nexus issues with a holistic approach. As a key actor in disaster management (from risk reduction, preparedness, to response) National Societies collaborate with their disaster management public authorities. In Central Asia where I am working now, governmental ministries/committees for Emergency Situations (MoES) are in collaboration with National Societies.

I think for civil society community (including Red Cross Red Crescent), it is challenging to address food insecurity with a siloed approach, as it often links to social vulnerability, ill health, water scarcity, etc. To re-initiate the momentum of collaboration between FAO and CSOs, FAO may wish to find a mechanism at the country level to facilitate cooperation in a holistic way. Very recently we have worked with UNDRR regional office to bring Early Warnings for All for implementation in Tajikistan. I found the way they design the process for the government in the driving seat and include all stakeholders quite useful. (You may find the attached press release a useful reference.)