Latest news with #UNFAO
Scoop
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
FAO Presents Credentials To Tonga's PM, Reaffirms Commitment To Agricultural & Fisheries Development
Press Release – UN FAO This landmark event brings together Pacific Island nations to collectively address shared challenges and explore opportunities to advance agriculture and forestry across the region. 28 May 2025, Nuku'alofa – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands and FAO Representative to the Kingdom of Tonga, Mr. Guangzhou Qu, officially presented his credentials to the Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. (Dr) 'Aisake Valu Eke, at the Prime Minister's Office today. Mr. Qu expressed his appreciation to the Government of Tonga for its longstanding partnership with FAO and acknowledged the country's active role in advancing global efforts to strengthen agrifood systems, combat climate change, and promote sustainable development. He reaffirmed FAO's commitment to working closely with the Government to support national efforts to enhance food security and resilience. Working together for agrifood system transformation In a separate meeting, Mr. Qu also presented his credentials to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Hon. Siosiua Moala Halavatau. Expressing gratitude for the ongoing collaboration, he emphasized FAO's strong alignment with Tonga's development priorities and highlighted the organization's commitment to transforming Tonga's agrifood systems through initiatives that promote biodiversity, the One Health approach, digital agriculture, climate adaptation, and healthy diets. The opening of the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry (PWAF) on 26 May in Nuku'alofa, hosted by the Government of Tonga with support from FAO and the Pacific Community (SPC), underscores Tonga's leadership in fostering regional dialogue and cooperation. This landmark event brings together Pacific Island nations to collectively address shared challenges and explore opportunities to advance agriculture and forestry across the region.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
FAO Presents Credentials To Tonga's PM, Reaffirms Commitment To Agricultural & Fisheries Development
Press Release – UN FAO This landmark event brings together Pacific Island nations to collectively address shared challenges and explore opportunities to advance agriculture and forestry across the region. 28 May 2025, Nuku'alofa – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands and FAO Representative to the Kingdom of Tonga, Mr. Guangzhou Qu, officially presented his credentials to the Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. (Dr) 'Aisake Valu Eke, at the Prime Minister's Office today. Mr. Qu expressed his appreciation to the Government of Tonga for its longstanding partnership with FAO and acknowledged the country's active role in advancing global efforts to strengthen agrifood systems, combat climate change, and promote sustainable development. He reaffirmed FAO's commitment to working closely with the Government to support national efforts to enhance food security and resilience. Working together for agrifood system transformation In a separate meeting, Mr. Qu also presented his credentials to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Hon. Siosiua Moala Halavatau. Expressing gratitude for the ongoing collaboration, he emphasized FAO's strong alignment with Tonga's development priorities and highlighted the organization's commitment to transforming Tonga's agrifood systems through initiatives that promote biodiversity, the One Health approach, digital agriculture, climate adaptation, and healthy diets. The opening of the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry (PWAF) on 26 May in Nuku'alofa, hosted by the Government of Tonga with support from FAO and the Pacific Community (SPC), underscores Tonga's leadership in fostering regional dialogue and cooperation. This landmark event brings together Pacific Island nations to collectively address shared challenges and explore opportunities to advance agriculture and forestry across the region.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Pacific Island Countries Endorse ‘Growing The Pacific 2050' Strategy, Advancing Resilient And Inclusive Agrifood Systems
Press Release – UN FAO The transformation of agriculture and forestry for more regeneration, productivity, and resilience was the central theme of the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry. 31/05/2025 Nuku'alofa, Tonga – Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry from Pacific Island countries endorsed the Growing the Pacific 2050 Strategy for Agriculture and Forestry today at the 4th Meeting of the Pacific Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry, held in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. The 4th Ministerial Meeting concluded the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry (PWAF), hosted by the Kingdom of Tonga and supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Pacific Community (SPC). The Growing the Pacific 2050 Strategy is anchored in five interwoven strategic pathways — healthy, regenerative, secure, integrated, and enabled — which collectively guide transformative action across the agriculture and forestry sectors. These pathways underpin eight catalytic initiatives (2025–2030), which include promoting One Health and regenerative practices; advancing afforestation and climate-resilient systems; strengthening biosecurity and agrobiodiversity; supporting agribusiness and exports; and enhancing data, knowledge, and education systems to build future talent. This endorsement marks a major milestone in the region's collective commitment to building resilient, sustainable, and inclusive agrifood systems for the future. The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry of Tonga, Honourable Dr Siosiua Moala Halavatau set the tone for the ministerial meeting in his opening remarks by urging continued collaboration among Pacific Islands to tackle shared challenges such as out-migration, an aging farmer population, and climate change. 'Agriculture and forestry are vital for the Pacific, as they are the backbones of our economies and the foundation of our food security. But they face significant challenges,' said Dr Halavatau. 'Partnership brings us together today in a genuine effort to work together towards a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient future for Pacific peoples and countries.' FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands, Guangzhou Qu, who reaffirmed FAO's support for the region, emphasized that traditional practices and knowledge in the Pacific provide scalable solutions for climate resilience and sustainable production. 'Guided by examples from across our Pacific nations, we envision a future where healthy soils thrive, farmer organizations lead, transparent data informs our decisions, and biodiversity flourishes,' said Qu. 'By empowering our youth and integrating indigenous knowledge, we can drive innovation that transforms Pacific agrifood systems, leaving no one behind.' SPC's Deputy Director-General (Science and Capability), Dr Paula Vivili, reiterated the cultural significance of food in the Pacific. 'Let us also not forget that food is identity in the Pacific. Our region has immense food heritage and genetic wealth. We must protect it, celebrate it, and build systems that ensure its benefits for Pacific people,' he said. 'Today, through discussions on invasive species, climate-informed food systems planning, and domestic production, we are collectively shaping strategies that are tailored, timely, and rooted in national priorities,' added Vivili. The transformation of agriculture and forestry for more regeneration, productivity, and resilience was the central theme of the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry. This biannual week-long event was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Sinaitakala Tukuaho of the Kingdom of Tonga. PWAF brought together governments, NGOs, community-based organizations, and the private sector to chart a transformative path for agriculture and forestry in the region. Hosted by the Government of Tonga's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests, PWAF served as an essential platform for sharing knowledge, aligning strategies, and driving collective action toward resilient and sustainable food systems across the Pacific. The fifth PWAF will be hosted by the Solomon Islands in 2027, as agreed by Pacific countries and territories. FAO and SPC, as key technical and resource partners in the region, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Pacific Island Countries in tackling climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation, working collaboratively in building a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
FAO Presents Credentials To Tonga's PM, Reaffirms Commitment To Agricultural & Fisheries Development
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 7:43 pm Press Release: UN FAO 28 May 2025, Nuku'alofa – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands and FAO Representative to the Kingdom of Tonga, Mr. Guangzhou Qu, officially presented his credentials to the Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. (Dr) 'Aisake Valu Eke, at the Prime Minister's Office today. Mr. Qu expressed his appreciation to the Government of Tonga for its longstanding partnership with FAO and acknowledged the country's active role in advancing global efforts to strengthen agrifood systems, combat climate change, and promote sustainable development. He reaffirmed FAO's commitment to working closely with the Government to support national efforts to enhance food security and resilience. Working together for agrifood system transformation In a separate meeting, Mr. Qu also presented his credentials to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Hon. Siosiua Moala Halavatau. Expressing gratitude for the ongoing collaboration, he emphasized FAO's strong alignment with Tonga's development priorities and highlighted the organization's commitment to transforming Tonga's agrifood systems through initiatives that promote biodiversity, the One Health approach, digital agriculture, climate adaptation, and healthy diets. The opening of the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry (PWAF) on 26 May in Nuku'alofa, hosted by the Government of Tonga with support from FAO and the Pacific Community (SPC), underscores Tonga's leadership in fostering regional dialogue and cooperation. This landmark event brings together Pacific Island nations to collectively address shared challenges and explore opportunities to advance agriculture and forestry across the region. © Scoop Media
Reuters
5 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Malaysia says EU's deforestation risk rating based on old data
KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Reuters) - Malaysia's Commodities Minister on Wednesday expressed concern over the European Union classifying the country as 'standard risk' under the new anti-deforestation law, saying the designation was based on old data. Addressing an event in Singapore, minister Johari Abdul Ghani said the classification was based on 2020 United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization data and Malaysia, the world's second-largest exporter of palm oil, had introduced sufficient measures to justify being designated "low risk". The European Commission last week categorised goods imported from Belarus, Myanmar, North Korea and Russia as "high risk" of fuelling deforestation. Under the EU regulations, "standard risk" countries will face lighter compliance checks on goods exported to Europe, while "low-risk" countries will face less stringent due-diligence rules. Those classified as "standard risk" include Malaysia, Indonesia and Brazil. The EU law, which is expected to come into effect in December, applies to soy, beef, palm oil, wood, cocoa and coffee, and some derived products including leather, chocolate and furniture. Johari reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to present updated, science-based evidence to support its request for a 'low risk' status. 'Malaysia has implemented strict no-deforestation policies and developed our own certification system ... which ensures traceability, compliance, and inclusivity, particularly for smallholders," Johari said, according to an official transcript of the remarks. 'We are fully committed to working with the EU Commission to ensure fair recognition of our progress,' he said, adding Malaysia had also participated widely in international sustainability efforts. The EC says its methodology is "firmly rooted in a commitment to fairness, objectivity and transparency" and it has a benchmarking process that is dynamic and set to be reviewed in 2026 after publication of new data later this year. The Malaysian Palm Oil Board said the EU's classification was based on a method that was 'too narrow and incomplete' and based on the average annual forest loss between 2015 and 2020. "This short timeframe does not show the full picture' it said in a statement. It also raised concerns on the EU's methodology, which it said looked at general forest loss and discriminated against the palm oil sector. The EU's delegation in Malaysia did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of regular working hours.
