Panama City 4 July 2024 – The Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Committee of the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (PARLATINO) has taken a crucial step by approving a Model Law on the Promotion of Agroecology, an innovative legislative framework that promotes sustainable and resilient agricultural practices in Latin America and the Caribbean. This legislation, developed in close collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and supported by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID), represents a significant advancement towards food security and sustainable development in...

Bujumbura, Burundi. 26 June 2024. An FAO delegation visited Burundi to raise awareness on the role and opportunities for parliamentarians to tackle food security, malnutrition and poverty issues by transforming agrifood systems. The delegation was led by Athman Mravili, Coordinator of FAO’s Sub-Regional Office for Central Africa; Jean Leonard Touadi, Special Coordinator for Parliamentary Networks at FAO Headquarters; and Aissa Mamadoultaibou, Nutrition Officer in the Sub-Regional Office for Central Africa. The delegation was received by the Right Honourable Emmanuel Sinzohagera, Speaker of the Senate, and the Right Honourable Gélase Ndabirabe, Speaker of National Assembly. Mr Mravili and Mr Touadi encouraged the Speakers...

Midrand, South Africa. The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has adopted a Model Law on Cooperatives for Africa during the Third Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand, South Africa.  The PAP’s Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs presented the draft Model Law after extensive engagements and active support of stakeholders, particularly from FAO and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA).   The Model Law will serve as a guide and an advocacy tool for the development and review of legislation on cooperatives. For countries without cooperative legislation, the Model Law can inspire the adoption of new laws, and for those...

How do you plan to concretize your commitment to follow up on the Global Parliamentary Pact against Hunger and Malnutrition, particularly in the context of food security and nutrition? Can you share specific steps or initiatives you will undertake to ensure its implementation? As the Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources of the EALA, I will take forward existing – and push for new – EAC legislations on food loss and waste, transboundary zoonotic diseases, plant and seeds, agroecology, climate change, and the right to adequate food for all. These efforts will build on East Africa...

Parliaments play a crucial role in amplifying the perspectives and needs of individuals. Ensuring that the voices of their constituents are heard in policy decision-making, they are the bridge between parliamentary discussions and on-the-ground realities, helping ensure inclusive and participatory governance. Partnerships with parliaments, parliamentarians and parliamentary networks are of vital importance to FAO’s work helping ensure food security and nutrition (FSN) in every part of the world.  Through our joint efforts with parliamentary networks, FAO has helped steer progress on more than 100 laws related to FSN, with a commitment to driving legislative change that contributes to sustainable development and the...