Pacific leaders, investors and food producers will meet in Vanuatu from November 3 to 6 to seek practical ways to strengthen local food production, improve access to healthy food and secure investment in farming and fisheries.
The gathering will focus on making the region’s food systems more resilient, from production and processing to transport and sales.
Organizers say climate change, food insecurity, economic pressures and supply disruptions are affecting how Pacific countries produce food and make it available to communities.
The forum aims to connect governments, farmers, fishers, businesses and researchers with financial institutions and development partners.
Discussions will cover support for local producers, stronger markets, affordable healthy diets and adaptation to climate change.
The four-day program will begin with a ministerial roundtable on national priorities and discussions on private-sector partnerships. Sessions on November 4 will address crop, livestock and fish production, healthy diets and diet-related diseases.
The third day will focus on climate resilience, financing, food supply chains and the use of digital technology, data and artificial intelligence in agriculture.
The final day is scheduled to include the launch of the Pacific SIDS Investment Programme and Agrifood Investment Platform, followed by the adoption of a ministerial declaration.
Expected participants include Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat, Agriculture Minister Ian Wilson Toagalana and senior FAO officials. FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu is scheduled to participate virtually.
Pacific ministers, regional organizations, the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and International Fund for Agricultural Development are also expected to attend, alongside farmers’ organizations, businesses, researchers and youth.