Asia-Pacific Sets Responses and Recovery Plans on COVID-19 and Hunger

Representatives from 46 countries in the Asia-Pacific region gathered virtually to examine the current situation of the region's food security, particularly the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on food systems region-wide.

With the Royal Government of Bhutan as host, the 35th Session of the FAO Asia and Pacific Regional Conference commenced on September 1 until September 4, 2020. Over 400 participants are expected to join the virtual conference which was also broadcasted live via webcast on FAO's website.

"We must come to terms with what is before us and recognize that the world and our region has changed. We must find new ways to move forward and ensure sustainable food security in the face of these two pandemics, as well as prepare for threats that can and will evolve in the future," said Jong-Jin Kim, FAO Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific. "This virtual conference brings together the people and ideas to chart a true course of action for the benefit of all."

The conference will tackle the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Programme launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which is designed to provide a flexible and coordinated global response to make sure that everyone has access to nutritious food. New marketing channels and new technologies that will help reduce food losses will also be discussed.

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