In preparations for ERC35, FAO holds consultation with the academia and research sector

Academia and research institutions play a vital role in generating knowledge, innovation, and evidence-based solutions for agrifood systems. On 15 April 2026, 38 representatives from across Europe and Central Asia gathered virtually for the first-ever consultation of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with academia and research institutions in the region. The event provided a space to exchange perspectives and develop recommendations ahead of the 35th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Europe (ERC35).

Opening the session, Viorel Gutu, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia, highlighted the significance of the meeting.

“This is the first ever consultation between FAO and academia in Europe and Central Asia,” he said. “It marks the beginning of a new and more structured dialogue.”

Across the region, these institutions generate knowledge, develop innovations and help translate science into practical solutions. At the same time, they continue to face the challenge of ensuring that research reaches farmers and policymakers effectively, while broader pressures such as climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and financing gaps affect agrifood systems.

The dialogue also served as a platform to bring academic perspectives into the decision-making process through inputs to be presented at the Regional Conference in Tajikistan. This is the first time that the collective voice of research and academic institutions will be formally brought into this high-level forum and directly inform regional priorities for the years ahead.

A space for academic perspectives

Participants engaged in focused discussions on the three technical priorities of Regional Conference: sustainability, resilience and financing of agrifood systems transformation.

Across the discussions, a common theme emerged: stronger science–policy integration and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential. Participants stressed that fragmented approaches are no longer sufficient and called for more integrated solutions that connect climate action, biodiversity conservation and land restoration, while bridging the gap between research and on-the-ground realities.

Academia and research institutions shared practical experiences from their countries, highlighting barriers such as limited translation of research into policy and practice, data gaps, and challenges in reaching smallholders, women and youth. Participants also emphasized the importance of strengthening early warning systems, digital tools and extension services to ensure that research results translate into practical support for farmers. At the same time, many pointed to opportunities in data-driven innovation, demonstration farms, and closer partnerships with FAO and governments.

From dialogue to recommendations

The consultation enabled the co-design of practical recommendations and draft joint academic statements that will be consolidated into the official academia contribution to the Regional Conference, shaping FAO’s support in the region. Key areas included advancing integrated approaches to the climate–biodiversity–land nexus, enhancing evidence-based resilience tools and early warning systems, and addressing financing gaps through rigorous analysis and innovative mechanisms.

Four academic representatives from across the region were also identified as spokesperson to present these collective messages at the Regional Conference in May in Tajikistan, ensuring that the perspectives of the scientific community are reflected in high-level discussions.

The dialogue helped build connections among academic institutions across Europe and Central Asia and marked an important step towards more structured engagement between FAO and the academic community. The discussions highlighted a shared direction towards closer collaboration and translating knowledge into practical action.