FAO calls for increased investment to unlock Central Asia’s potential and address regional challenges

QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) today urged immediate action on water conservation, transboundary cooperation, and sustainable agricultural practices to safeguard Central Asia’s future.

Speaking at the opening session of the Astana International Forum – a regional and international dialogue platform hosted by the Government of Kazakhstan –, QU said: “Water security is a pillar of agrifood systems, yet it is under increasing threat due to scarcity, pollution, and weak infrastructure.”

With vast land resources, rich agrobiodiversity, and strategic geographic location, Central Asia has enormous potential to transform its agrifood systems into drivers of sustainability, resilience, and better life. This transformation, QU noted, is critical not only for the region, but for the broader Eurasian continent and beyond.

To realize this potential and address mounting challenges, QU called for increased investment in innovation, water infrastructure, and inclusive development.

Tackling the affordability gap

The FAO Director-General also highlighted that nearly 64 million people across the Europe and Central Asian still cannot afford a healthy diet, with Central Asia recording the highest rate of unaffordability at 16.3 percent.

He stressed the need for collective action, urging governments, the private sector, civil society, and the international community to catalyse change. “The cost of inaction far exceeds the cost of action,” Qu said.

He commended Kazakhstan’s ambition to serve as a regional food hub, recognizing its commitment to food security, sustainability, and regional and international cooperation.

The Director-General also spotlighted the FAO–Kazakhstan Partnership Programme, a 10-year initiative that will, he said further support and accelerate agrifood transformation to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.

Confronting climate extremes

At a separate FAO panel discussion on “Water Security as a Key Investment for Central Asia’s Sustainable Future”, the Director-General opened by describing the region’s growing exposure to climate extremes, rising water demand, and aging infrastructure. Floods and droughts are becoming more frequent and severe – costing lives, livelihoods and having a serious socio-economic-social impact, with nearly USD 14 billion in damage every year – he noted.

The Director-General underlined the transformative potential of digital tools, including artificial intelligence and ICT, and also urged International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to “invest wisely” to unlock a more sustainable and inclusive future through well- designed investment frameworks that align short-term action with long-term sustainability for a better life for all, Qu said.

FAO’s support to countries in the area of water security includes initiatives under the FAO Investment Centre, the Hand-in-Hand Initiative and the AQUASTAT global information system on water and agriculture.