Vietnam and FAO collaborate to accelerate food system transformation

The 37th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (APRC 37) discussed issues concerning agriculture and rural areas amidst climate change, geopolitical crises, and global instability, which impact food security and nutrition. During the high-level meeting, Ministers from various countries presented their perspectives and priorities for FAO to address in order to meet national requirements.

Participation in the Conference aims to fulfill the Vietnamese Government's international commitments, promote cooperation, and provide technical support. It conveys a strong message about Vietnam's proactive, positive, and responsible role in major multilateral forums, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Accordingly, the main topics addressed during the 37th APRC Conference encompass the current state of agriculture and food in the Asia-Pacific region, financing initiatives to achieve SDG2 (Zero Hunger), investment strategies for poverty alleviation, and the Hand-in-Hand initiative. Furthermore, the conference aims to explore avenues for advancing SDG goals through scientific advancements and innovation, minimizing food loss and waste, enhancing the resilience of fisheries towards sustainability, promoting a "One Health" approach to healthcare system transformation, and fortifying the resilience and transformation of agricultural systems.

Nowadays, the escalating demand for food, compounded by climate change and unsustainable land management practices, is exerting additional strain on forests, biodiversity, and natural habitats. This poses a grave threat to the sustainability of agricultural production and the food system at large. FAO forecasts that by 2030, nearly 670 million people will continue to face hunger, while approximately 3.1 billion people will be unable to afford a nutritious diet. Addressing these challenges is paramount to ensuring food security and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

At APRC 37, Minister Le Minh Hoan emphasized that Vietnam is proactively adapting to major global challenges, addressing both internal issues and objective factors such as aging rural workers, depleted resources, climate change, market fluctuations, and shifting global consumption trends.

"Vietnam is currently undertaking the agricultural sector restructuring process with a focus on enhancing added value and fostering sustainable development, taking into consideration emerging factors such as trade liberalization, climate change, and innovation," stated the Minister during the high-level meeting.

"In line with our commitment to Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy and international agreements, Vietnam is actively executing the 'National Action Plan for the Transformation of a Transparent, Responsible, and Sustainable Food System until 2030'. Additionally, we are implementing the 'Sustainable Development Project for 1 Million Hectares Specializing in High-Quality Rice Cultivation and Low Emissions, linked with Green Growth in the Mekong Delta until 2030'. Moreover, initiatives like the One Health Initiative, Southeast Asia Food Innovation Network Initiative, and numerous other significant programs and projects are being pursued," the Vietnamese Minister informed.

In parallel with Vietnam's commitment to the international community and the advancement of the agricultural sector towards transparency, responsibility, and sustainability, Minister Le Minh Hoan reaffirmed Vietnam's readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to pilot innovative approaches and share experiences with countries across the Asia-Pacific region regarding Food System Transformation, Food Innovation Network, and One Health Partnership.

Furthermore, Minister Le Minh Hoan held discussions with Mr. Qu Dongyu, General Director of FAO, during the sidelines of the Conference, to outline specific priority areas for cooperation between FAO and Vietnam in the forthcoming period.

During the meeting, Mr. Qu Dongyu extended congratulations to Vietnam for its remarkable achievements, particularly in the transformation of the food production system and its response to climate change. The Director-General of FAO commended Vietnam's commitments and positive contributions to global issues such as food security and South-South cooperation. He emphasized that these contributions elevate Vietnam's standing in the international community.

Minister Le Minh Hoan expressed sincere gratitude to FAO for its ongoing support and companionship, aiding Vietnam in its endeavors to achieve the Millennium Goals and emerge as a hub for innovation in the regional food system, in accordance with principles of responsibility, transparency, and sustainability.

In line with this, the Minister urged FAO to continue its partnership with Vietnam in fulfilling commitments made at COP 26 and COP 28. These include initiatives such as "achieving net zero emissions by 2050", the "Global Methane Pledge", the "Glasgow Declaration on Forests and Land Use", and the "Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action". Vietnam seeks not only technical assistance from FAO but also aims to learn from and share successful models and experiences with other countries in the region. Vietnam stands ready to collaborate with FAO and international organizations to foster South-South cooperation with African nations.