Agrilife24.com:Asia and the Pacific must accelerate the transformation of its agrifood systems, scaling innovation, unlocking investment and strengthening partnerships to address growing pressures on food security, nutrition, livelihoods and the environment.
This was the central message as government representatives, ambassadors, development partners and other stakeholders gathered in Bangkok today for a high-level regional Policy Dialogue convened by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Held on the occasion of World Food Day 2026, under the theme “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow,” the dialogue examined how the region can turn innovation and policy priorities into practical solutions, while strengthening resilience to climate-related shocks and other disruptions.
“Innovation alone is not enough. Turning new ideas and technologies into impact requires partnership and investment. Together, we can build agrifood systems that are more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable, capable of nourishing people today while protecting the resources future generations depend on,” said Alue Dohong, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific.
Turning innovation and investment into action
The dialogue brought together perspectives on three critical dimensions of agrifood systems transformation: innovation for food security and nutrition; trade and investment; and food security, nutrition and resilience.
Discussions highlighted the need for enabling policies, investment and stronger collaboration to bring innovative solutions to scale and ensure they deliver tangible benefits for people and communities across the region.
New partnership strengthens El Niño preparedness
A key highlight of the dialogue was a new collaboration to strengthen monitoring, preparedness and anticipatory action to reduce the impacts of El Niño, bringing together FAO, the Government of Switzerland/ Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the Timor-Leste Red Cross.
The initiative will strengthen preparedness in Timor-Leste and the Philippines, helping vulnerable communities act earlier ahead of El Niño-related impacts. It is expected to reach approximately 43 000 people.
The partnership aims to support earlier and more coordinated action ahead of climate-related risks, helping protect food security and livelihoods while reducing the impacts on vulnerable communities. The collaboration was formally marked through a ceremonial signing.
Building stronger regional partnerships
The dialogue underscored the importance of joint priority actions and collaborative partnerships in turning regional priorities into concrete results. Ken Shimizu, FAO Deputy Regional Representative, led the discussion on next steps, bringing together key messages emerging from the dialogue.
“The challenges facing agrifood systems are interconnected, and our response must be equally connected, across sectors, institutions and borders. Stronger partnerships and anticipatory action are essential if we are to build agrifood systems that are resilient, inclusive and fit for the future,” said Ken Shimizu, FAO Deputy Regional Representative.
The high-level dialogue brought together His Excellency Andalib Elias, Ambassador of Bangladesh; Her Excellency OYU Vasha, Ambassador of Mongolia; His Excellency Dhan Bahadur Oli, Ambassador of Nepal; and Her Excellency Saadia Altaf Qazi, Ambassador of Pakistan; who also led and contributed to discussions across the three dialogue sessions, alongside His Excellency Fabrice Filliez, Ambassador of Switzerland, Mr Pongthai Thaiyotin, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand, and representatives of governments, development and humanitarian partners.
The Policy Dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to shape agrifood systems that can deliver nutritious food, sustainable livelihoods and greater opportunities for future generations across the region.
