Opening Remarks

Bambang Susantono called for the need to generate global awareness and momentum for rebuilding and improving the food systems that have been affected by the pandemic. He highlighted the important role of multi-lateral development banks (MDBs) in mobilizing resources towards food system transformation and shared that ADB is developing an innovative natural capital financing facility to scale up investments in sustainable and climate resilient food systems.

Virginia Newton-Lewis

Virginia specializes in water security as it relates to WASH. She has worked on a wide range of water issues including food security, irrigation, water resources management, and flood risk management. She holds a PhD from the University of East Anglia, where she explored the topic of agricultural-to-urban water allocation.

Kundhavi Kadiresan

Kundhavi Kadiresan, who holds a PhD in Economics and an MA in International Business, is Assistant Director-General and FAO’s Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific. She has more than 25 years of managerial experience in economic and policy development. Kadiresan, an economist, has spent most of her professional career with the World Bank Group. She has worked in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin America, where she led senior-level policy dialogues and managed large loan portfolios.