Rome – Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developing Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCS) have adopted a ministerial statement which calls on FAO to develop a comprehensive strategy and an action plan for agrifood systems transformation focusing on their specific priorities, during a High-Level Ministerial Special Event held on the sidelines of the 44th session of the FAO Ministerial Conference.
According to the ministerial statement, the strategy should address key areas such as sustainable agriculture, natural resources management, climate resilience, insurance schemes, technology and innovation, investment readiness, investment in physical value chain infrastructure, early warning and market access, evidence and data for policy making, ensuring youth and women as key engines of change in agrifood systems.
Additionally, the ministerial statement requests the preparation of a 2026–2027 Action Plan with clear steps, timelines, and resources to implement the strategy. The plan should prioritize capacity development, technical assistance, policy support, and the mobilization of investment and traditional and innovative financing to accelerate progress in agrifood systems transformation.
In his opening remarks to the event, titled “From Vulnerability to Resilience – Strengthening Food Security and Better Life in SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs,” the FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized the urgency of accelerating efficient, inclusive, resilient, sustainable and country-led agrifood systems transformation in most vulnerable states which is critical to safeguard food security and improve lives and livelihoods for all.
“When agrifood systems thrive, economies grow, health improves, and societies flourish,” Qu said. “Investments in innovation, technology, nutrition, and sustainable financing are not isolated, but are part of an overarching transformation designed to leave no one behind”.
He noted that in every country there are real obstacles to progress, but also significant untapped potential that, with the right support, can unlock opportunities for more sustainable and improved livelihoods.
Qu emphasized FAO’s strong commitment to driving innovation and reshaping agriculture in the face of growing challenges. He highlighted the Organization’s role in blending cutting-edge solutions with traditional knowledge, highlighting efforts that integrate digital platforms delivering real-time market and weather updates to farmers, alongside community-based projects that empower smallholders with advanced techniques for resource conservation.
FAO’s support
Qu stressed that innovations in SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs are already delivering impact. For example, in SIDS, Blue Transformation is unlocking the potential of ocean-based food systems. In LLDCs, FAO is helping reduce food prices by strengthening local production and trade corridors. In LDCs, where over 70 percent of the population depends on agriculture, climate-smart and digital solutions are boosting productivity and resilience.
Since the 2023 SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs ministerial meeting, FAO has mobilized substantial support through key global partnerships and programmes. Through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), FAO has helped the most vulnerable countries secure over $600 million to strengthen agrifood systems against climate shocks.
FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) allocated nearly $85 million to 347 projects between 2024 and 2025, with 70 percent of resources directed to 93 SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs. The Hand-in-Hand Initiative now supports 65 of the 93 countries.
In addition, the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) Initiative engages 48 countries to promote Special Agricultural Products, backed by nearly $20 million globally.
The Director-General also called attention to the need for affordable and healthy diets underscoring that over 80 percent of SIDS populations are unable to afford a healthy diet, and landlocked and least developed countries are not far behind.
Strong engagement
In his closing remarks, the Director-General thanked Ministers for their strong engagement and reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to co-designing solutions tailored to national and regional contexts. “FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022–31, centred on the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, is aligned with your national priorities and regional aspirations,” he said.
The event was marked by the active participation of ministers and senior officials from over 90 countries including 60 from SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs - underscoring a global commitment to turning structural constraints into pathways for progress.
The event focused on five interlinked themes supporting FAO’s Four Betters. Sessions explored the role of technology and innovation in boosting sustainable productivity, improving nutrition outcomes in vulnerable contexts, advancing Blue Transformation and mountain farming for resilient local livelihoods, and strengthening financing and partnerships to scale up country-led solutions.
