Pakistan has reaffirmed its strong commitment to advancing resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems during the 38th Ministerial Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), with Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, H.E. Rana Tanveer Hussain outlining a forward-looking national and global vision.
The 38th FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific was inaugurated by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah. On the sidelines of the Conference, the Honorable Minister called on His Royal Highness and conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, as well as to the people of the brotherly nation of Brunei Darussalam, on behalf of the President, Prime Minister, and the people of Pakistan.
The Minister, amongst other meetings, also held bilateral consultations with his Bruneian counterpart, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, including 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, the Minister commended the leadership of the FAO Director-General for steering the organization towards innovative, science-driven solutions to global food security challenges. He underscored the continued relevance of FAO’s “Four Betters” framework, better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, as a guiding foundation for transforming agrifood systems amid growing global uncertainty.
Highlighting the current global landscape, the Minister noted that agrifood systems are under unprecedented pressure due to the combined effects of climate change, economic volatility, energy disruptions, and regional instability. These interconnected challenges, he emphasized, are directly impacting production costs, market stability, and food affordability, necessitating urgent and accelerated transformation.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve, the Minister emphasized that agriculture remains central to the country’s economy, livelihoods, and food security. He outlined Pakistan’s ongoing efforts, in collaboration with FAO, to modernize its agrifood systems through improved water management, diversified cropping patterns, and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices.
He highlighted the increasing integration of innovation across the sector, including the use of digital technologies, data-driven advisory systems, and precision agriculture to enhance productivity and resource efficiency. Stressing inclusivity, he underscored that Pakistan’s transformation agenda prioritizes smallholder farmers, women, and youth while strengthening extension services and value chains to enable broader participation in economic growth.
The Minister emphasized that large-scale transformation requires unlocking investment and aligning it with strategic priorities. Pakistan, he noted, is working closely with FAO to transition from fragmented initiatives to coordinated, data-informed investment strategies that attract both public and private financing.
Through FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative, Pakistan is identifying high-potential agricultural value chains and developing bankable projects aimed at reducing investment risk while ensuring measurable development outcomes. In this context, he acknowledged FAO-Pakistan’s collaboration with the Government of Pakistan in organizing the National Hand-in-Hand Investment Summit on olive and dairy sectors in preparation for the FAO Investment Forum 2026.
Underscoring the importance of the One Health approach, the Minister highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to addressing the interlinked challenges of human, animal, and environmental health. He noted ongoing efforts, in partnership with FAO and development partners, to enhance integrated surveillance systems, strengthen diagnostic capacities, and improve institutional coordination.
Pakistan is also advancing key initiatives under the Global Partnership Programme for Transboundary Animal Diseases, shifting towards prevention-focused frameworks. National programmes on Foot-and-Mouth Disease, along with animal identification and traceability systems, are being expanded to safeguard livestock productivity and facilitate safe trade.
The Minister emphasized that agrifood transformation cannot be achieved in isolation and called for strengthened regional cooperation. He identified opportunities for collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region in areas such as sustainable fisheries, blue transformation, climate-smart agriculture, and bioeconomy development—critical pillars for ensuring long-term food security.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister stressed that the transformation of agrifood systems is no longer a distant goal but an immediate necessity. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with FAO and Member States to accelerate progress through strategic partnerships, science-based innovation, and South-to-South cooperation.
“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,” he stated.
