ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan has reaffirmed its strong commitment to advancing resilient, inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems during the 38th Ministerial Session of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), according to a statement issued on Friday.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain outlined a forward-looking national and global vision at the 38th FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific, which was inaugurated by the Crown Prince of Brunei.

On the sidelines of the conference, Hussain held bilateral consultations with his Bruneian counterpart, focusing on enhancing cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture, transfer of agricultural technologies, livestock sector development, and the proposed establishment of a joint working group on agricultural cooperation.

In his address, Hussain commended the FAO Director-General for steering the organisation towards innovative, science-driven solutions to global food security challenges. He noted that agrifood systems are under unprecedented pressure due to climate change, economic volatility, energy disruptions and regional instability, directly impacting production costs, market stability and food affordability.

Hussain outlined Pakistan’s ongoing efforts, in collaboration with FAO, to modernise agrifood systems through improved water management, diversified cropping patterns and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. He highlighted the increasing integration of digital technologies, data-driven advisory systems and precision agriculture to enhance productivity.

Stressing inclusivity, he said Pakistan’s transformation agenda prioritises smallholder farmers, women and youth while strengthening extension services and value chains.

Through FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative, Pakistan is identifying high-potential agricultural value chains and developing bankable projects aimed at reducing investment risk. Hussain acknowledged FAO-Pakistan’s collaboration in organising the National Hand-in-Hand Investment Summit on olive and dairy sectors in preparation for the FAO Investment Forum 2026.

The minister also highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to the One Health approach, addressing interlinked challenges of human, animal and environmental health. He called for strengthened regional cooperation in sustainable fisheries, blue transformation, climate-smart agriculture and bioeconomy development.

“By acting with urgency and shared responsibility, we can build agrifood systems that ensure food security, improve nutrition, protect our environment and enhance livelihoods for all,” Hussain stated.