Science & Innovation Driving Food Safety - From Vision to Network
2 October 2025 11am – 2pm
02/10/2025
Food safety is vital for agrifood transformation in the Near East and North Africa (NENA), where population growth drives rising demand and foodborne disease risks remain high. Science-based approaches are needed, including modern legislation, strong institutions, surveillance, reliable data, and effective laboratories. Yet, coordination gaps and limited training persist. To respond, FAO-RNE launched the Regional Food Safety Research and Innovation Network through South-South Triangular Cooperation. Bringing together governments, academia, private sector, civil society, and international partners, the Network will foster collaboration, capacity building, and harmonized practices to develop and scale innovative food safety solutions tailored to regional needs.
This one-day hybrid event will present the Regional Food Safety Research and Innovation Network, outlining its vision, mission, and governance. Through interactive high-level discussions, participants will discuss its relevance, sustainability and identify action plans for its thematic working groups, while exploring opportunities for efficient operationalization and impact.
Background
Food safety is a fundamental pillar of agrifood system transformation in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region. The region faces growing vulnerabilities in global supply chains due to increasing population, rising food demand, climate change, and resource limitations. These challenges heighten the risk of foodborne illnesses, which affect over 100 million people in the region annually, with children under five accounting for 32% of cases. The economic burden is substantial, with foodborne diseases costing low- and middle-income countries $95.2 billion annually and treatment costs reaching $15 billion per year, according to the World Bank.
Recognizing the urgent need for coordinated action, innovation, and science-based solutions, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Office for NENA, through South-South and Triangular Cooperation, has spearheaded the establishment of the Regional Food Safety Research and Innovation Network (RFSRIN). This initiative aims to enhance food safety, strengthen the agrifood system’s resilience, and foster regional cooperation by bringing together governments, academia, research institutions, private sector actors, civil society, and international organizations.
Key message(s) of the Session:
The event will mark the launch of the Regional Food Safety Research and Innovation Network, built on a clear vision, mission, and governance structure, with well-defined thematic components and a sustainable, impact-oriented framework for effective operationalization and functionality.
Launching the Regional Food Safety Research and Innovation Network with a clear vision, strong governance, and sustainable impact.
Outcomes:
The discussion will highlight the relevance, importance, and strategic contributions of the Network, emphasizing its potential to strengthen partnerships, build capacities, and generate lasting impact.
Participants will reach a consensus on priority actions to operationalize the Network, agree on the roles and responsibilities of the thematic working groups, and develop a mitigation plan to enhance coordination and ensure effective functionality.
The discussion will also pave the way for efficient resource mobilization and stronger collective impact.