Rabat hosts the 33rd session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa
With "resilient agri-food systems and inclusive rural transformation" as the theme for discussion, the Regional Conference for Africa (ARC33) is a great opportunity for African countries to discuss practical solutions in food security and improved agricultural production, according to a joint statement from FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forestry.
ARC33 will serve as a strategic platform for members and other stakeholders to share best practices, explore partnerships and discuss opportunities and innovative solutions for agri-food systems transformation. To achieve this objective, a team from the FAO Regional Office for Africa recently visited Rabat to consult with the host country and assist in the preparations for the Conference.
The Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forestry, Mohammed Sadiki, who will chair ARC33, said: "This conference is an opportunity to bring together all African countries for a constructive dialogue on sustainable solutions to improve food security and promote advanced agricultural practices. We are delighted to host this important meeting and share our experiences in agricultural development
For his part, FAO Representative in Morocco, Jean Senahoun, underlined that "FAO is pleased to collaborate with the Kingdom of Morocco to host this important regional conference which comes at an important time when all stakeholders must take concrete steps to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals".
"This conference is a catalyst for concrete actions that will shape the future of agriculture in our region," stressed Kwami Dzifanu Nyarko-Badohu, Secretary of the FAO Conference. "The hospitality and commitment of the Kingdom of Morocco to the advancement of agriculture make Rabat an ideal venue for this important meeting," he concluded.
The event will be attended by delegates from across Africa, including Ministers of Agriculture and other key decision-makers from various economic areas for food systems transformation such as finance, trade and industry, forestry, fisheries, environment, science and technology, health, among others, as well as representatives from civil society, the private sector, development partners and observer member countries.
The aim of the 33rd session of the conference, which will take place on the eve of the Salon International de l'Agriculture en Maroc (SIAM), scheduled for 22-28 April 2024 in Meknes, is to provide regional guidance on the transformation of agri-food systems in Africa.
The discussions are part of the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031, which is a roadmap to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by eradicating poverty, fighting hunger and reducing inequality, supporting the transformation towards more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems for better production, nutrition, environment and lives, leaving no one behind.
It is recalled that a Senior Officials' Meeting on technical issues related to food security and agri-food systems transformation in Africa will be held online in March 2024, preceding the ministerial conference discussions in April.