International Forum on Land Locked Developing Countries: Food Security and the Sustainable Development Goals

The International High-Level Forum on Land Locked Developing Countries on Food Security and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is organized jointly by the Government of Uzbekistan and FAO on 5 to 6 September in Tashkent. The Forum seeks to gather key actors in Land Locked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and supporting international institutions to share experiences, discuss common challenges with special attention to climate change issues, and explore collaborative solutions and partnerships. Ultimately, participants will develop and adopt a declaration on the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems in landlocked countries summarizing key principles and strategies to support sustainable agrifood systems pathways, as well as measures to overcome the unique challenges of Land Locked Developing Countries.

Comprising 32 nations, Land Locked Developing Countries face unique challenges. Reliant on neighbouring countries for maritime trade routes, Land Locked Developing Countries navigate a complex logistical landscape. Their challenges are not insurmountable and despite the obstacles, these countries possess considerable untapped potential waiting to be harnessed, notably in food and agriculture. This forum is dedicated to unlock this potential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

The two-day Forum will consist of multiple working modalities designed to foster collaboration and real progress in the development of sustainable agrifood systems in LLDCs. It has a range of engaging formats, from high-level plenary sessions featuring prominent speakers, to interactive technical discussions that spark dynamic exchanges between businesses and investors. They allow for opportunities for knowledge sharing, such as ministerial roundtables and practical examples. Additionally, dedicated business-to-business sessions within the Investment Forum on the second day will facilitate actual partnerships and investment opportunities.

Opening ceremony

• Abdulla Aripov, Prime Minister, Republic of Uzbekistan 
  
• QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General
  
• Rabab Fatima, Under Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States
  
• Janusz Wojciechowski, European Union Commissioner for Agriculture
  Alvaro Lario, President, International Fund for Agricultural Development (video-message)

Keynote address

• Maximo Torero, FAO Chief Economist 

Thematic sessions

Agricultural trade facilitation in LLDCs through WTO accession
Lessons learned from LLDCs in enhancing agricultural trade and export through the World Trade Organization (WTO) accession.

Investment opportunities in agriculture 
The session will present the challenges of LLDCs in attracting investments for agriculture, successful and available financial instruments, and potential collaboration with international financial institutions.

Fostering partnerships with the private sector for agricultural marketability
Key topics include: comparative advantages of LLDCs, examples of public-private partnerships in agricultural value-addition, agricultural production of niche products to increase agricultural marketability and foster exports and international trade.

Food security and nutrition
Understanding the challenges of LLDCs in advancing food security and nutrition and sharing their recent experiences in addressing those in collaboration with international partners.

Enabling environment for the sustainable agrifood systems transformation focusing on climate change
The session will feature policy frameworks of LLDCs and collective action to support agrifood systems development.

Technological innovations
Speakers will discuss best practices of adopting and promoting technological innovations, digital agriculture, water management, food value-chains and other solutions for LLDCs.

Side events

• One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative and Sustainable Agrifood System Transformation
• Transforming Agrifood Systems in Landlocked Countries by Leaving No One Behind
• Sustainable Locust Management in the Caucasus and Central Asia: Innovations and the Way Forward
  
• Applied Research for Sustainable Development of LLDCs

Register