FAO’s Food and Agriculture Strategy Meeting to be held in Budapest

The biennial informal consultation is an important opportunity for countries in the region to discuss common challenges, opportunities and emerging issues related to the renewal of agri-food systems in Europe and Central Asia. This year’s meeting is particularly significant as FAO celebrates its 80th anniversary, a milestone for the organization and its global mission.

From the war in Ukraine to the growing impact of climate change, the 53 countries in the region face a range of challenges. The deepening economic crisis and nutrition-related problems are putting further strain on national systems, threatening food security, exacerbating the vulnerability of rural areas and drawing on resources that could be used for sustainable growth. Water scarcity is a growing concern in parts of the region.

To mitigate these impacts, FAO is placing greater emphasis on tailored, country-specific support to build resilience and promote sustainable rural development. Ensuring food security and addressing all forms of malnutrition are cross-cutting priorities that are part of FAO’s work here. Other key goals focus on digital innovation and agricultural development, with a particular focus on smallholder farmers and youth, transforming food systems and promoting a One Health approach, as well as sustainable natural resource management and resilience.

“Let this consultation be a place where we sow new ideas and reap partnerships – where dialogue becomes action and shared challenges become shared solutions,”

said Viorel Gutu, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative, in his opening remarks. “We face many problems, so we need many solutions. Together we can find and implement them.”