FAO-IPPC Regional Workshop for the Near East and North Africa 2026
Plant Biosecurity for Food Security
Cairo (Egypt), 07/09/2026 - 10/09/2026
Background
The 2026 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)- the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Regional Workshop for the Near East and North Africa will be held from 7 to 10 September 2026 in Cairo, Egypt.
The workshop is jointly organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through its Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa and Subregional Office for North Africa, and by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat, in collaboration with the Near East Plant Protection Organization (NEPPO) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation of the Arab Republic of Egypt, represented by the Central Administration of Plant Quarantine (CAPQ).
Held under the theme “Plant Biosecurity for Food Security”, the workshop will provide a regional platform for representatives of national plant protection organizations (NPPOs) to contribute to IPPC standard-setting and implementation processes, exchange technical knowledge and strengthen regional cooperation on plant health.
Plant biosecurity is essential for preventing the introduction and spread of plant pests, protecting agricultural production and natural resources, facilitating safe trade, and contributing to food security.
Objectives
The workshop aims to:
Facilitate regional review and discussion of draft International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) and related documents under consultation;
Support the development of coordinated regional comments for submission through the IPPC Online Comment System;
Provide updates on IPPC standard-setting, implementation and phytosanitary capacity-development activities;
Exchange national and regional experiences, technical knowledge and good practices;
Discuss emerging plant health challenges and priorities affecting the Near East and North Africa; and
Strengthen cooperation among NPPOs, FAO, the IPPC Secretariat and relevant regional partners.
Main areas of discussion
High-level opening session with representatives of FAO, the IPPC Secretariat, the Near East Plant Protection Organization, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation of the Arab Republic of Egypt;
Technical review and discussion of draft ISPMs and related specifications under the first and second consultations;
Discussion and consolidation of regional comments on consultation documents;
Updates on IPPC activities, resources and implementation support;
Exchange of country experiences and phytosanitary good practices;
Discussion of regional plant health priorities and capacity-development needs; and
Identification of opportunities for enhanced regional collaboration on plant health.
Expected results
The workshop is expected to contribute to:
Coordinated regional input into IPPC consultation processes;
Improved understanding of draft international phytosanitary standards;
Stronger national participation in IPPC standard-setting and implementation;
Enhanced exchange of technical information and experiences among NPPOs; and
Greater regional coordination in addressing shared and transboundary plant health challenges.
Participation
Participation is by official nomination and will include representatives of:
- The IPPC Secretariat;
- The FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (FAORNE);
- The FAO Subregional Office for North Africa FAOSNE);
- National plant protection organizations from countries of the Near East and North Africa (NPPOs);
The Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation of the Arab Republic of Egypt, through the Central Administration of Plant Quarantine (CAPQ);
The Near East Plant Protection Organization (NEPPO);
Relevant regional and technical partners; and
Observers from relevant regional and international organizations and technical institutions.
Event information
Date: 7-10 September 2026
Location: Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt
Format: In person
Working language: Arabic
Participation: By official nomination
The final programme and logistical information will be shared directly with confirmed participants.
Contact
Yosra Ahmed
Plant Protection Specialist
FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa
[email protected]
Heba Tokali
Technical Programme Associate
FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa
[email protected]