Jeddah, January 31, 2024, The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) hosted an interactive dialogue titled "Engaging the Private Sector in Accelerating Agrifood Systems Transformation in the Near East and North Africa," underscoring the importance of establishing effective partnerships and communication channels between investors and FAO initiatives.
Organized in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), and the Group Business Forum (THIQAH), the dialogue aimed to prepare for the 37th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for the Near East (NERC37), scheduled for March 4 and 5 in Amman, Jordan.
A press release from FAO emphasized the organization's reliance on robust partnerships with the private sector to unlock investment opportunities, foster innovation, and promote sustainable practices throughout the entire agrifood system, from production to consumption. The goal is to make these systems more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, AbdulHakim Elwaer, highlighted the need for private sector engagement to bring about transformative change, measurable impact, and broad-based benefits. Incorporating insights from private sector representatives, FAO members, and policymakers can better define actions needed to transform agrifood systems in the region.
FAO Senior Coordinator Private Sector Partnerships, Carlos Watson, emphasized the significance of private sector engagement in agrifood systems transformation and rural development. Watson stated that working together in transformative partnerships aligns with FAO's mission to build a world without hunger.
The release stressed the importance of establishing transparent and accessible communication platforms for private sector and FAO collaboration to identify investment opportunities. By advocating for supportive policies encouraging private sector investment in sustainable agriculture, FAO aims to create an enabling environment for investors and promote long-term investments.
