The Uzbekistan side event “Nurturing the Seeds of Agri-food Education for Food Systems Transformation” was organized on the margins of the World Food Forum (WFF) taking place from 16 to 20 October 2023 in the Headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Italy.

The Youth delegation representing Uzbekistan at the prestigious international forum played a vital role in the side event.

The World Food Forum is one of the FAO's vital initiatives in the global efforts to transform agrifood systems and address the challenges of food security, sustainability, and climate action. World leaders, experts, international financial institutions, public figures, the private sector, youth, and indigenous activists came together during the week of events, dialogues, forums, and even labs focused on youth, science, innovation, and investment at the WFF.

The Uzbekistan side event was organized by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Rome in cooperation with the FAO Country Office in Uzbekistan and the Tashkent State Agrarian University. A similar event dedicated to Uzbekistan was already held as part of the World Food Forum last year. Inspired by its success, the organizers once again presented the country's achievements and rich culture at the highest level. It is gratifying that the Uzbekistan side event was attended by QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General, who delivered opening remarks along with Otabek Akbarov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Italy and Permanent Representative to FAO.

The side event focused public attention on Uzbekistan's achievements in agriculture and highlighted the importance of agri-food education in addressing food security challenges. The event allowed Uzbek students to present their activities and experience in tackling challenges related to agri-food systems. The side event participants got acquainted with the cultural heritage of Uzbekistan and its impact on agricultural traditions, learned more about the educational opportunities for Uzbek youth, and evaluated the country’s unique experience and progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The participants were invited for a lunch buffet with the dish “Osh-palov”, representing the nation’s rich cultural heritage and identity. Following a good tradition, the event took place at the Uzbekistan Lounge at the FAO Headquarters in Rome.

UzA