EB Report
Bangkok, Thailand, October 6, 2026: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has called for faster transformation of agrifood systems across Asia and the Pacific, emphasizing the need for innovation, increased investment and stronger partnerships to address growing challenges related to food security, nutrition, livelihoods and the environment.
The call came during a high-level regional policy dialogue held in Bangkok to mark World Food Day 2026, under the theme “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow.” Government representatives, ambassadors, development partners and other stakeholders attended the event to discuss ways to turn policy priorities and technological advances into practical solutions.
The discussions also focused on strengthening the resilience of agrifood systems against climate-related shocks and other disruptions.
“Innovation alone is not enough. Turning new ideas and technologies into impact requires partnership and investment. Together, we can build agrifood systems that are more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable, capable of nourishing people today while protecting the resources future generations depend on,” said Alue Dohong, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific.
Innovation and Investment in Focus
The dialogue examined three key areas of agrifood systems transformation: innovation for food security and nutrition, trade and investment, and food security, nutrition and resilience.
Participants stressed the importance of supportive policies, increased investment and stronger cooperation to expand innovative solutions and ensure that their benefits reach communities across the region.
The discussions highlighted the need to translate regional priorities into practical action that can improve access to nutritious food, support livelihoods and promote environmental sustainability.
New Partnership to Improve El Niño Preparedness
A major outcome of the dialogue was a new partnership aimed at improving monitoring, preparedness and early action to reduce the impacts of El Niño.
The initiative brings together FAO, the Government of Switzerland through Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the Timor-Leste Red Cross.
The collaboration will strengthen preparedness in Timor-Leste and the Philippines, enabling vulnerable communities to take action earlier in anticipation of El Niño-related impacts. The initiative is expected to reach approximately 43,000 people.
By encouraging earlier and better-coordinated responses to climate risks, the partnership aims to protect food security and livelihoods while reducing the effects of climate-related disruptions on vulnerable populations. The collaboration was formally marked through a signing ceremony.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
The policy dialogue also emphasized the need for coordinated action across sectors, institutions and countries to achieve lasting improvements in agrifood systems.
Ken Shimizu, FAO Deputy Regional Representative, led discussions on the next steps, bringing together key messages from the three dialogue sessions.
“The challenges facing agrifood systems are interconnected, and our response must be equally connected, across sectors, institutions and borders. Stronger partnerships and anticipatory action are essential if we are to build agrifood systems that are resilient, inclusive and fit for the future,” Shimizu said.
The event brought together several regional diplomats and government representatives, including Bangladesh Ambassador Andalib Elias, Mongolia Ambassador OYU Vasha, Nepal Ambassador Dhan Bahadur Oli and Pakistan Ambassador Saadia Altaf Qazi. They led and contributed to discussions across the three sessions.
Switzerland Ambassador Fabrice Filliez, Pongthai Thaiyotin, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and representatives of governments, development agencies and humanitarian organizations also participated.
The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to building agrifood systems capable of providing nutritious food, supporting sustainable livelihoods and creating greater opportunities for future generations across Asia and the Pacific.