Nadi, Fiji (TDI): The Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Solutions Forum 2024 kicked off on Thursday in Fiji, bringing together hundreds of professionals and ministers from a number of countries to tackle the Climate Change and the unique challenges faced by Pacific Islands in transforming their agrifood systems.
The forum, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Fiji, with the theme “Transforming Agrifood Systems for our Blue Pacific Continent through Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life.”
According to a statement, the forum aims to share innovative solutions and showcase their impact and scalability in its four-day meeting. Climate change ,natural disasters, and non-communicable diseases along with the challenges of producing and distributing would be focused.
Read More: Island countries of Pacific Ocean
It will also focus on progress, innovation through FAO’s four better principles that guide its work – Better Nutrition, Better Production, a Better Environment and a Better Life, leaving no one behind.
The first day spotlighted Hand-in-Hand, an ambitious programme joined by 13 SIDS to accelerate agrifood systems transformation through a matchmaking approach bringing together beneficiary countries with lenders.
Also crucial is One Country, One Priority Product’ programme, an initiative empowering countries to identify, promote, and develop agricultural products that are uniquely rooted in local geography, climate, and culture.
In his keynote address to the forum, Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said, “Our stories, as those of old, of resilience and innovation that emerge from our communities are powerful examples of what has been possible in the face of difficulties and challenges, and they will inspire us to strive for what is possible in the future.”
“The unique characteristics of SIDS make them particularly vulnerable to a series of challenges including food insecurity, malnutrition, the impact of the climate crisis, economic shocks and other environmental and demographic pressures,” said FAO Director-General QU Dongyu in his opening speech.
“In spite of their vulnerabilities, SIDS harbour a wealth of knowledge and often take the lead on the international stage, drawing attention to pressing global issues.”
Also Read:FAO: Making Healthy, Nutritious and Affordable Diet A Reality
A town hall style interactive session hosted by the FAO Director-General and the Fiji Minister of Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu, engaged with a range of stakeholders including civil society, regional organizations and global development partners and forms part of the process leading to the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between FAO and partners.
The gathering brings together hundreds of professionals including public policymakers, practitioners, international donors, community leaders, agri-entrepreneurs, investors, and private sector representatives.
Participants include ministers from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu as well as non-Pacific government ministers.
