Hanoi, Viet Nam - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Viet Nam today announced the successful conclusion of its National Consultation in Preparation of the 37th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC).

The APRC serves as a vital platform for FAO to connect and collaborate with member nations in the Asia-Pacific region. Convening every two years, the APRC fosters high-level dialogue and joint efforts in addressing critical challenges surrounding food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and rural development. To prepare for the upcoming 37th APRC, scheduled to take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from February 19th to 22nd, 2024, this National Consultation aims to ensure that the APRC accurately captures the specific needs and priorities of the Viet Nam and further Asia-Pacific region.

Participating in the Consultation were representatives of various stakeholders groups, including line ministries, development partners, non-governmental organization (NGOs), unions, UN agencies and business associations. Participants delve into five key thematic areas: (i) Financing to end hunger for today and tomorrow (SDG2); (ii) Combating food loss and waste; (iii) Transforming capture fisheries and aquaculture towards sustainability; (4) Applying the One Health approach to accelerate agri-food systems transformation; (5) Building resilience through agrifood systems transformation.

Through in-depth discussions and expert contributions, the consultation yielded valuable insights and recommendations that will shape the priorities and actions of the upcoming APRC. The recommendations will focus on fostering inclusive, sustainable, and resilient food and agriculture systems that can effectively address the region's pressing challenges and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The content of today's workshop aims to concretize international and national commitments regarding the transformation of the agrifood system from production, processing, distribution to consumption in a transparent, responsible, and sustainable manner, based on local advantages; ensure national food and nutrition security; enhance the income and quality of life of the population, prevent the natural disasters and pandemics, protect the environment, and respond to climate change. This effort contributes to the achievement of Viet Nam's and global sustainable development goals by 2030” said the Director-General of International Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan.

“FAO remains committed to continue to provide technical expertise, policy guidance, and support for resource mobilization to help Viet Nam translates the outcomes of the National Consultation and the APRC into tangible actions that will transform agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.”, said Mr. Rémi Nono Womdim, FAO Representative in Viet Nam.