The FAO Regional Digital Platform for Family Farming, launched in 2023, hosts a Technical Exchange Cycle. This initiative fosters dialogue and cooperation among countries to strengthen the family farming sector, aligning with the United Nations Decade of Family Farming (2019-2028).

The third edition addresses the critical challenge of rural youth inclusion and participation, focusing on digital technologies. A recent session, co-organized with Mercosur's REAF and the World Food Forum, analyzed opportunities and challenges to enhance productivity, information access, financing, and networks for young farmers through technology.

More information: FAO Technical Exchanges

Subscribe! FAO YouTube

Follow FAO on social media! Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | Twitter | Weibo

© FAO #SDGs #Agenda2030 #GlobalGoals

The 35th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Europe (ERC35) recently concluded in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. This session united countries from Europe and Central Asia to address critical challenges in climate, food security, and the future of agrifood systems.

Stay updated by following FAO on social media: [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/UNFAO), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/fao), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/fao), [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@fao), [Twitter](http://www.twitter.com/fao/), and [Weibo](https://www.weibo.com/unfao). You can also [subscribe to their YouTube channel](http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=FAOoftheUN). © [FAO](http://www.fao.org).

An expert panel recently highlighted academia's vital role in fostering agrifood digitalization. Discussions focused on initiatives such as the South East Asia Innovation Alliance, the University of Sydney's farmhand program in the Mekong region, the Saudi Alliance for Agriculture Technologies, and university-led digitalization efforts in the Republic of Korea and the ASEAN Universities Network.

Explore the FAO Digital Villages Initiative for more details. Connect with FAO by subscribing to their YouTube channel and following them on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and Weibo.

© FAO. #SDGs #Agenda2030 #GlobalGoals

Stay informed with FAO! Subscribe to our [YouTube channel](http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=FAOoftheUN) and follow us on social media. Connect with FAO on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/UNFAO), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/fao), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/fao), [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@fao), [Twitter](http://www.twitter.com/fao/), and [Weibo](https://www.weibo.com/unfao) for the latest updates.

© FAO. Explore more at [fao.org](http://www.fao.org) regarding #SDGs, #Agenda2030, and #GlobalGoals.

The event featured welcoming speeches from senior officials of FAO, ADB, IFAD, and the Thailand MOAC Secretary General. This was followed by an expert panel discussion with representatives from Viet Nam, Saudi Arabia, and Africa (Kuza Ltd), highlighting the [Digital Villages Initiative](https://www.fao.org/digital-villages-initiative/en).

Stay connected with FAO! Subscribe to our [YouTube channel](http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=FAOoftheUN) and follow us on social media: [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/UNFAO), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/fao), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/fao), [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@fao), [Twitter](http://www.twitter.com/fao/), and [Weibo](https://www.weibo.com/unfao). © FAO: [www.fao.org](http://www.fao.org) #SDGs #Agenda2030 #GlobalGoals.

Experts from China, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and IRRI presented on drone technology, remote sensing, and other digital innovations in rice systems during a panel session. This initiative is part of the FAO Digital Villages Initiative.

For more content from FAO, subscribe to their YouTube channel. Follow FAO on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and Weibo. © FAO. #SDGs #Agenda2030 #GlobalGoals

The FAO recently facilitated an expert discussion on integrating digital technologies into livestock systems. Participants from the Republic of Korea, India, Tajikistan, and the Asia-Pacific region shared insights, contributing to the broader FAO Digital Villages Initiative.

For more updates from the FAO, subscribe to their YouTube channel. You can also follow them on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and Weibo. #SDGs #Agenda2030 #GlobalGoals

A recent session highlighted advances in digital innovations in agrometeorology and agricultural weather information. Experts from the USA, India, LAO PDR, and Asian representatives from ADB and UNESCAP contributed to the discussion.

Stay informed by subscribing to FAO's YouTube channel. Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and Weibo.

This initiative aligns with the FAO Digital Villages Initiative and supports #SDGs, #Agenda2030, and #GlobalGoals. © FAO.

Tajikistan will host the 35th FAO Regional Conference for Europe (ERC35) from May 11-15, 2026. This vital regional platform unites FAO Members and diverse stakeholders from Europe and Central Asia to address pressing food and agriculture challenges. Under the theme "Uniting for sustainability," the conference will focus on integrating climate action, biodiversity, and land restoration to advance resilient agrifood systems. Discussions will cover sustainable natural resource management, agrifood system financing, and mitigating impacts from external crises, including the war in Ukraine, aligning with the FAO Strategic Framework. The agenda also includes reviewing FAO's regional work and setting future priorities.

For more information, visit fao.org, subscribe to FAO on YouTube, and follow FAO on social media.

Dive into the mysterious world of deep-sea sharks, one of the ocean's least understood groups. With over 500 species thriving in darkness, these incredible animals have evolved unique adaptations like glowing eyes and light-producing abilities. From the long-lived Greenland shark to newly discovered species, much about their hidden lives remains unknown.

Through the Common Oceans Deep Sea Fisheries Project, scientists, fishers, and fisheries management organizations are collaborating. Their collective efforts aim to uncover the secrets of these deep-sea creatures and ensure their protection for future generations.

Learn more:

• https://www.fao.org/in-action/commonoceans/newsroom/news-and-stories/news-detail/understanding-the-hidden-lives-of-deep-sea-sharks/en
• https://www.fao.org/in-action/commonoceans/what-we-do/deep-sea-fisheries/en

Subscribe! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=FAOoftheUN

Follow FAO on social media!

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/UNFAO
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/fao
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fao
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@fao
• Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/fao/
• Weibo - https://www.weibo.com/unfao

© FAO: http://www.fao.org #SDGs #Agenda2030 #GlobalGoals

Experts convened to discuss innovations in water management, drawing insights from India, Nepal, and the Netherlands. The session also explored digital technologies and innovations in fisheries, with contributions from the Philippines, Japan, the Asia-Pacific region, and global perspectives. This initiative is part of the FAO Digital Villages Initiative.

For more information, visit FAO.org. Stay connected with FAO by subscribing to their YouTube channel and following them on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and Weibo. © FAO. #SDGs #Agenda2030 #GlobalGoals

Rwanda is developing a new tea strategy with FAO support. This initiative prioritizes premium-quality production to strengthen the value chain, boost output, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. These farmers face increasing challenges from the climate crisis, rising fertilizer costs, and regional market competition.

Stay updated on FAO's work by visiting their official website and following them on social media: www.fao.org

Forestry experts from FAO and Thailand recently convened to discuss digital applications for sustainable forest management. Key topics included fire monitoring, forest supply chains, and ensuring traceability in production and trade.

For more information, visit the [FAO Digital Villages Initiative](https://www.fao.org/digital-villages-initiative/en). Follow FAO on social media: [YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=FAOoftheUN), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/UNFAO), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/fao), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/fao), [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@fao), [Twitter](http://www.twitter.com/fao/), [Weibo](https://www.weibo.com/unfao). © FAO. #SDGs #Agenda2030 #GlobalGoals

Global food production is threatened by climate change, soil degradation, and increasing water scarcity, while many nutritious, drought-resilient indigenous crops risk disappearing. The FAO's Addressing Water Scarcity in Agriculture and the Environment (AWSAMe) initiative promotes "opportunity crops" to strengthen resilience, improve nutrition, and support sustainable livelihoods.

In Malawi, AWSAMe champions crops such as sorghum and cowpeas. This helps communities combat climate change and water scarcity, significantly enhancing food security and nutrition.

Learn more about the initiative: [AWSAMe Initiative](https://www.fao.org/wasag/awsame-initiative/en)

Indigenous communities in Guyana's Rupununi Region are strengthening their role in protecting biodiversity, culture, and traditional lands. With support from the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme, ten Amerindian villages have developed Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) guidelines to shape decisions affecting their future.

The SWM Programme is an international initiative co-funded by the European Union, French Facility for Global Environment, and French Development Agency. It is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR-ICRAF), and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

Learn more about the SWM Programme and FAO. Follow FAO on social media.

Sustainable beekeeping in Southern Zambia is protecting forests, enhancing biodiversity, and strengthening community livelihoods. This initiative, supported by the European Union-funded Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme, highlights the vital connection between pollinators, conservation, and resilient food systems.

A World Bee Day 2026 impact video showcases local beekeepers creating opportunities while safeguarding nature for future generations. Learn more about the SWM Programme here.

The FAO-GEF Jiangxi Wetland Project in China is a landmark model for conservation, restoring harmony between people and nature. Located in Jiangxi, home to over 700,000 migratory birds and China’s largest freshwater lake, the project protects Siberian Cranes and wetlands. It also empowers local communities through sustainable livelihoods and co-management, achieving shared prosperity. Rated "Highly Satisfactory," it exemplifies successful biodiversity conservation and international cooperation.

Discover more about the project on the FAO-GEF website. Follow FAO on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and Weibo. Subscribe to their YouTube channel.

The Strait of Hormuz has been closed since February 28, 2026, severely impacting global energy, fertilizer, and agrifood systems. This episode of "The Work We Do" explores policy solutions to mitigate these worldwide agrifood impacts.

Hosted by Katrin Park and produced by Eduardo De La Chica (FAO), the discussion covers various policy areas, including trade recommendations, emergency measures, social protection, farmer financing, infrastructure resilience, energy diversification, and macroeconomic stability.

Subscribe to FAO on YouTube and follow them on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and Weibo. © FAO: www.fao.org #SDGs #Agenda2030 #GlobalGoals

This video highlights the High-Level Inter-regional Knowledge Exchange on the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative, held in Viet Nam on July 15–16, 2025. The event convened ministers, experts, and partners from Africa and Asia to exchange innovations for transforming agrifood systems through Special Agricultural Products (SAPs).

The FAO OCOP initiative leverages science, technology, innovation, and cultural heritage to advance the FAO “Four Betters”: Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, and Better Life. The video underscores how interregional cooperation enhances productivity, sustainability, rural livelihoods, and inclusive economic development.

Watch the full video here: [OCOP Knowledge Exchange](https://youtu.be/jZyXim0xe5M?list=PLzp5NgJ2-dK6rO-upy9l_N09q1LQPn282)

Bhutan's mountainous terrain creates diverse microclimates, making farming challenging. To assist farmers, extension officers, and planners, the Bhutan Agro-Ecological Zoning (BAEZ) tool was developed under FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative. BAEZ analyzes complex data on climate, soil, moisture, and terrain to identify optimal crops for specific areas, moving beyond simple elevation mapping.

This geospatial tool projects future crop suitability shifts due to climate change, enabling strategic planning for researchers and investors. By matching the right crop to the right place, BAEZ translates advanced data into better decision-making, fostering climate resilience and a sustainable agricultural future for Bhutan.

Subscribe! [http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=FAOoftheUN](http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=FAOoftheUN) Follow FAO on social media! * Facebook - [https://www.facebook.com/UNFAO](https://www.facebook.com/UNFAO) * Instagram - [https://instagram.com/fao](https://instagram.com/fao) * LinkedIn - [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fao](https://www.linkedin.com/company/fao) * TikTok - [https://www.tiktok.com/@fao](https://www.tiktok.com/@fao) * Twitter - [http://www.twitter.com/fao/](http://www.twitter.com/fao/) * Weibo - [https://www.weibo.com/unfao](https://www.weibo.com/unfao) © FAO: [http://www.fao.org](http://www.fao.org) #SDGs #Agenda2030 #GlobalGoals