This presentation discusses how Collateral Management Company (CMC) Linkage works in Pakistan, along with its system of buyers, other key players, and components, as well as the concept of electronic warehouse receipt (EWR), a first-of-its-kind digital instrument in the country.

Providing a background on the major role of wholesale markets in Europe, this presentation discusses how wholesale markets can play a key role in preventing future pandemics by consolidating and centralizing agricultural production for a region or country, and by demanding detailed information on the origin of the products. Through this presentation, Rungis International Market shared how a global network of modern wholesale markets can facilitate overall oversight, introduction of international hygiene standards, and cooperation based on the improved sharing of information.

Centering on the system of the Italian Wholesale Markets Network, the presentation notes how the network worked through the history and challenges of wholesale markets in the past, such as being located inside the cities, which cause high traffic congestion, no shared and recognized procedures for health and food safety, and considerable problems in dealing with wastes. These scenarios have prompted Italy to create a national plan in the 1990s for reorganizing wholesale markets, where the structure, services for distribution and sales, and responsibilities of stakeholders are discussed.

Key roles and functions of wholesale markets (WSMs) and agricultural logistic centers are shared through this presentation, as well as its important role for food security, which is linked to WSM facilities for collection, storage, distribution, efficient supply chains. In addition, it is discussed how modern WSM delivers productivity gains through different means, such as expanded links and market opportunities for farmers and value-adding functions.

In his presentation, Kevin Chen cited options to achieve 2060 carbon neutrality while ensuring food security: improve crop technologies (increase yields, improve fertilizer use efficiency); improve livestock technologies (reduce GHG emissions, improve forage use efficiency; reduce food waste and loss; adjust diets (reduce meat consumption); and combination of these approaches.

In his presentation, Arthur Hanson highlights the mutually reinforcing co-benefits and synergies between food and ecological climate security where projects must be nature-positive, carbon-neutral towards integrated rural development.

Yongping Zhai and Preety Bhandari emphasized that while institutions such as ADB can help mobilize financing towards low carbon and climate resilient development, the bulk of climate financing originates in countries where they are deployed. Ultimately, the greater role will lie on governments in ensuring that national policies are in place so that national budgets are allocated towards this purpose and incentives are provided to the private sector to channel funds in the right direction.

Lee Ann Jackson shared the need for policy dialogues, data and evidence, and institutional reforms to transform food systems. She cited OECD's work to improve messages on food security, environmental sustainability, and policy interventions so these help policy makers better informed thereby enabling them to find solutions to increase food system resilience, while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Alvaro Lario cited how IFAD helped farmers in transforming agriculture and help eradicate poverty through financing. He highlighted that investments are needed in small-scale agriculture as these create jobs and help reduce poverty and food insecurity. There is also the need for, stronger policy engagement, and improved strategic partnerships. He shared some of IFAD's work in helping smallholder farmers while partnering with NGOs and private sector.