Rome-based Agencies join efforts in Kyrgyzstan to act as one in food security and nutrition related issues

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Food Programme (WFP) gathered around a table to discuss joint plans and share knowledge, financial and technical expertise towards sustainable development of Kyrgyzstan.

“Today, joining common efforts is extremely important. Global turmoil and a rapidly changing world dictates its own rules, saying that enhancing the collaboration, coordination and synergies between the three agencies may be crucial in achieving access to adequate nutrition for all at country level”, - said Adnan Quereshi, FAO Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic.

“The three agencies will continue to promote new strategies, programs and activities that are consistent with our mandates, comparative advantages and distinctive strengths as a means of increasing effectiveness and impact in achieving SDG 2 and broader 2030 Agenda. Delivering as one is an opportunity for the FAO, WFP and IFAD to draw on their comparative advantages to support government efforts to ensure food security and nutrition of all people in Kyrgyzstan”, – remarked Andrea Bagnoli, WFP Country Director in the Kyrgyz Republic.

“Being here today, as an integral part of the RBAs retreat in Kyrgyzstan, strongly confirms how complementary We, the ‘Sister Agencies’, are and how more efficient we can still be, knowing who does what, intertwining our respective strengths and expertise in the field. In a time of UN Reforms, it is even more relevant to gather, reflect about how we operate, and seek for improved collaboration.“  – reacted Samir Bejaoui, IFAD Country Director in the Kyrgyz Republic.  

Joint workplan of the Rome-based Agencies is important to achieving SDG 2, which lies at the heart of their respective mandates. During the meeting the three agencies shared a common vision on promoting food security and nutrition, sustainable agriculture and rural transformation, with a particular focus on smallholder farmers – women, men, and youth, leaving no one behind.

During the two days, participants have discussed and agreed on areas of complementarity among the three agencies in terms of field operations and resources. They have also explored avenues for combined efforts such as policy dialogue at country level in order to advance on agenda for mainstreaming crosscutting issues of gender, nutrition and climate change. A plan of actions was developed as way forward.