The agricultural sector in the Asia-Pacific region is suffering from a number of key constraints which are significantly worsening the vulnerability of agriculture to climate impacts in the region. Apart from being highly vulnerable to its impacts, agriculture is also an important contributor to climate change.

Agricultural innovation for development of more efficient and sustainable technologies and machinery holds significant promise to boost climate resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Apart from digital and smart technologies, there is a vital role for innovation of simple and low-cost agricultural technologies and practices for resource-poor farmers and smallholders. These can help put agriculture on a trajectory of resilient and low-carbon development.

Co-organized by ESCAP and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during the 79th session of the Commission, the event will inform and support countries’ implementation of the national food system transformation pathway, especially in the action areas of advancing equitable livelihoods, building resilience, and accelerating the Means of Implementation. It will advance the understanding of policymakers and practitioners working in the areas of agriculture and climate change adaptation and mitigation on the need for promoting agri-innovation.

The event will be opened by remarks from senior-level speakers. This will be followed by a panel of experts that will illustrate pertinent approaches and technologies. The closing session will reflect on how such solutions can be upscaled in the region through multilateral cooperation.

Participants attending the 79th session of the Commission in Bangkok are welcome to attend in-person while the event will also be open to online participation through the registration link below. The event will be conducted in English and simultaneous interpretation will be provided in Chinese and Russian for the online participants.