The agriculture and food industry in Asia and the Pacific region has undergone structural transformations, technological advancements, and policy shifts in order to adapt to the changing times. New farming systems, value chain segments consolidation, various mechanisms for food trade, and rising consumer demand and expectations as well as changing lifestyles have shaped the process of bringing food on the table. But in addition to the customary issues of food availability and affordability, concerns on safety and nutrition as well as sustainability have become more pronounced lately.

Achieving food security for all, now and into the future, is at the core of the post-2015 development agenda. The Addis Ababa conference on financing for development held in July 2015 has produced a global framework for financing sustainable development and a set of policy actions by member states. In September, the United Nations (UN) adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), one of which seeks to end hunger, achieve food and nutrition security, and promote sustainable agriculture. And in December, the UN likewise adopted the Paris Agreement to limit global warming, which affects the global food system.

Achieving the global goals on food security requires synergy among the priorities and commitments of governments, the private sector, civil society, and development partners. It is in this context that ADB’s Rural Development and Food Security Thematic Group has initiated the organization of the Food Security Forum.

Theme

The forum adopted the theme Safe, Nutritious, and Affordable Food for All to echo the inclusive nature of global food security goals, not only in terms of quantity but also in quality. Using the value chain framework approach, the forum tackled transformations, trends, and future direction from food production to consumption.

Objectives

The Forum provided a platform for:

• knowledge exchange and dissemination
• showcasing some innovative, clever, and state-of-the-art agricultural technologies and
• networking and partnership building.