FAO participates in the shaping of the Strategic Directions of the Near East Plant Protection Organization (NEPPO)

In a significant step reflecting its commitment to achieving food security and agricultural sustainability in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is participating in the development of the Strategic Directions of NEPPO for the period 2025-2035.

Today marks the beginning of the inaugural in-person meeting of the NEPPO specialized taskforces groups, which will continue until November 7, 2024, in Hammamet, Tunisia, with the participation of a number of officials and experts from various Arab countries.

 Over the next three days, the working groups' discussions will focus on several vital strategic themes, including the management of transboundary plant pests and diseases, formulation of new standards that align with regional practices, development of innovative strategies for the management of pesticides and their alternatives, capacity building and investing in the skills of plant protection professionals. Additionally, strengthening regional cooperation and exchanging knowledge and experiences among member countries, thereby enhancing joint efforts to combat pests and ensure food security.

During the meeting, Mr. Thaer Yaseen, Regional Officer for Plant Protection at the FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (FAORNE), shared insights on shaping and formulating the strategic directions of NEPPO, strengthening the role of specialized task forces while developing their executive plans. He stated  "This meeting is a vital platform to gather ideas and shape a sustainable future for agriculture in the region. Through the fruitful collaboration between FAO, the Near East Plant Protection Organization and Member countries, these strategic directions are expected to strengthen the capacity to address increasing agricultural challenges, and support sustainable development, ensuring a secure agricultural future in the Near East and North Africa region."

Mr. Mohamed Habib Ben Jamaa, Executive Director of the Near East Plant Protection Organization (NEPPO), stated that by the end of the meeting, the participating experts would work on preparing a Strategic working paper for the Vision of the Near East plant protection organization 2025-2035, in addition to developing an executive work program for the period 2025-2026. This reflects the collective commitment towards achieving the strategic objectives of the organization.

The Near East Plant Protection Organization (NEPPO) is a regional Intergovernmental Organization established to promote cooperation, and coordinate efforts in plant protection among member countries in the Near East and North Africa (NENA).