Brunei Darussalam, through the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), is set to host the 38th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC) for the first time.
The conference will bring together ministers, the FAO Director-General and senior officials from 44 FAO member nations to deliberate on issues related to food security and strengthen regional cooperation in the agrifood sector.
Hosting the conference for the first time marks a significant milestone for Brunei Darussalam and coincides with the 80th anniversary of FAO. The event presents a strategic opportunity for the nation to showcase its rich traditions, local products and advancements in agriculture, while reinforcing partnerships and fostering collaboration in developing the food security agenda, sustainable agriculture and rural development at both regional and global levels.
Held biennially, the conference will begin with the Senior Officials Meeting from April 20 to 22, followed by the Ministerial Meetings from April 23 to 24.
In addition to the formal sessions, the programme will also feature a gala dinner and a series of technical visits, providing delegates with the opportunity to experience first-hand the uniqueness, development progress and cultural heritage of Brunei Darussalam.
As part of the conference, the Asia-Pacific Food Forum will be held on April 22. The forum will serve as an important platform for delegates to discuss current issues related to food security, innovations in the agrifood sector and opportunities for regional cooperation.
In today’s increasingly challenging global environment, marked by climate change, economic uncertainty and geopolitical conflicts that disrupt the stability of food supply chains and agricultural inputs, the conference is both timely and significant. These developments call for stronger collaboration among member countries to enhance the resilience of agrifood systems, boost productivity and ensure a sustainable, inclusive and robust food supply.
As host country, Brunei Darussalam views the conference as a valuable platform to highlight its cultural heritage, local cuisine and progress in the agriculture and agrifood sectors. It also underscores the nation’s commitment to enhancing its role and strengthening strategic partnerships with FAO member nations.
Hosting the APRC also aligns with the aspiration of the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, under Brunei Vision 2035 to develop the agrifood sector as a key driver of economic diversification.
The conference is expected to deliver tangible outcomes, particularly in technology transfer, productivity enhancement and strengthened FAO technical cooperation, benefiting Brunei Darussalam’s agriculture and fisheries sectors.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
