Academics from Latin America and the Caribbean present key proposals for FAO’s agrifood agenda
14/01/2026
Representatives of the scientific and academic sector from Latin America and the Caribbean took part today in the Regional Preparatory Consultation for the 39th Session of the FAO Regional Conference (LARC 39), a dialogue space convened by FAO to gather technical and strategic inputs for defining regional priorities in food and agriculture.
The consultation, held virtually, enabled an exchange between FAO and universities, research centers, academic networks and experts from the region, who reviewed the main advances achieved since the 38th Regional Conference and formulated recommendations for the next biennium, in line with the Organization’s priorities: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.
The meeting was opened by the Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, René Orellana Halkyer, who underscored the importance of consolidating a closer link between science, public policies and the implementation of concrete solutions in the field in order to address the region’s challenges.
In this regard, Orellana Halkyer added: “Effectively responding to current challenges requires strong strategic partnerships. Within this framework, the scientific and academic sector plays a fundamental role by providing evidence, applied research and technological innovation that underpin more effective public policymaking. FAO acts as an operational bridge between science, research and development action, strengthening the scientific base—particularly through work on data and analysis—and promoting innovation. The dialogue space we are initiating today stems from the conviction that exchanges among scientific and academic institutions are key to generating relevant contributions, ensuring that the region’s priorities are adequately reflected in regional and global debates.”
During the session, participants highlighted the essential role of the scientific and academic sector in generating evidence, innovation and knowledge to accelerate the transformation of agrifood systems toward more sustainable, resilient, efficient and inclusive models, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The consultation also served as the basis for drafting the Scientific and Academic Sector Declaration, which will be presented to FAO Member States during LARC 39, as well as for the democratic election of spokespersons who will represent the sector at the Regional Conference.
As an outcome of the meeting, participants agreed to move forward with a series of key products, including a systematization document of the dialogue between FAO and the scientific and academic sector, a technical recommendations report for the next biennium, and a list of nominations for sectoral spokespersons.
The 39th FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean (LARC 39) will take place from 2 to 6 March 2026 in Brasília, Brazil, and will be broadcast live through FAO Americas’ digital channels. At this forum, ministers and high-level authorities from Member States will define the Organization’s regional priorities for the next two years, incorporating contributions from non-governmental stakeholders, including the scientific and academic sector.
The consultation, held virtually, enabled an exchange between FAO and universities, research centers, academic networks and experts from the region, who reviewed the main advances achieved since the 38th Regional Conference and formulated recommendations for the next biennium, in line with the Organization’s priorities: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.
The meeting was opened by the Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, René Orellana Halkyer, who underscored the importance of consolidating a closer link between science, public policies and the implementation of concrete solutions in the field in order to address the region’s challenges.
In this regard, Orellana Halkyer added: “Effectively responding to current challenges requires strong strategic partnerships. Within this framework, the scientific and academic sector plays a fundamental role by providing evidence, applied research and technological innovation that underpin more effective public policymaking. FAO acts as an operational bridge between science, research and development action, strengthening the scientific base—particularly through work on data and analysis—and promoting innovation. The dialogue space we are initiating today stems from the conviction that exchanges among scientific and academic institutions are key to generating relevant contributions, ensuring that the region’s priorities are adequately reflected in regional and global debates.”
During the session, participants highlighted the essential role of the scientific and academic sector in generating evidence, innovation and knowledge to accelerate the transformation of agrifood systems toward more sustainable, resilient, efficient and inclusive models, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The consultation also served as the basis for drafting the Scientific and Academic Sector Declaration, which will be presented to FAO Member States during LARC 39, as well as for the democratic election of spokespersons who will represent the sector at the Regional Conference.
As an outcome of the meeting, participants agreed to move forward with a series of key products, including a systematization document of the dialogue between FAO and the scientific and academic sector, a technical recommendations report for the next biennium, and a list of nominations for sectoral spokespersons.
The 39th FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean (LARC 39) will take place from 2 to 6 March 2026 in Brasília, Brazil, and will be broadcast live through FAO Americas’ digital channels. At this forum, ministers and high-level authorities from Member States will define the Organization’s regional priorities for the next two years, incorporating contributions from non-governmental stakeholders, including the scientific and academic sector.
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Maria Elena Alvarez Press and Content Officer [email protected]