The 35th FAO Regional Conference for Europe and Central Asia has opened in Dushanbe. In an interview with Asia-Plus, FAO Representative ad interim in Tajikistan, Mr. Aghasi Harutyunyan, explained why hosting the forum is recognition of the country’s growing role in issues of food security, sustainable agriculture, climate change, and water resources.
The 35th Regional Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations for Europe and Central Asia opened at the Kokhi Somon State Complex in Dushanbe on May 11.
Tajikistan is hosting an FAO event of this magnitude for the first time, bringing together representatives from countries in the region to discuss issues of food security, sustainable agriculture, climate change, and water resources.
The Head of FAO Country Office in Tajikistan called hosting the conference in Dushanbe a recognition of the country’s growing role in the regional agenda related to food security, sustainable agriculture, climate, and water resources.
According to him, the conference also provides an opportunity to showcase the country’s achievements and its agricultural potential.
“It is also an opportunity to showcase Tajikistan’s achievements, its agricultural potential, mountain farming traditions, and readiness to be an active platform for regional cooperation,” the FAO representative emphasized.
The main goal of the 35th session is to define the strategic priorities of FAO’s work in Europe and Central Asia for the next two years. The key theme of the conference is “Joining Forces for Resilience,” said Harutyunyan.
He noted that the agenda includes issues of climate change, biodiversity, land restoration, financing, the “One Health” approach, management of transboundary animal diseases, and strategic foresight.
Speaking about the choice of Tajikistan as the venue, Aghasi Harutyunyan reminded that the country has been a member of FAO since 1995 and actively participates in the organization’s international initiatives.
According to the FAO representative, the country was the first in Europe and Central Asia to join the “Hand-in-Hand” initiative, promotes projects on digitalization of agriculture, development of value chains, and has received international recognition under the GIAHS initiative (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems) for the unique agro-pastoral system of the Almosi Valley.
Particular importance for Tajikistan, noted Harutyunyan, is issues of adaptation to climate change, management of water and land resources, development of rural areas, and access to “green” financing.
Harutyunyan emphasized that the conference can become an important platform for attracting investments and developing partnerships in the country’s agricultural sector.
“The ERC35 will become a powerful catalyst for attracting investments and new partnerships,” said the FAO representative.
He added that Tajikistan is already presenting specific investment projects in potato seed production, horticulture, and pasture development under the “Hand-in-Hand” initiative.
Separately, Mr. Aghasi Harutyunyan noted the practical significance of the conference for farmers and rural residents.
“For farmers and rural residents, this could mean expanded access to modern technologies, knowledge, financing, and markets,” he said.
According to him, the ERC35 will allow international partners to see the potential of Tajik agriculture, especially in the field of mountain farming, environmentally friendly products, and sustainable agri-food systems.
The FAO representative also noted that Tajikistan can become a platform for piloting sustainable solutions.
“I want participants to see Tajikistan not only as a country facing challenges (glacier melting, mountainous terrain, limited arable land) but also as a living laboratory for sustainable solutions,” he stated.
As a result of the conference, a report is expected to be adopted, which will determine the priorities of the countries in the region for 2026–2027.
