SCO Secretariat participates in the FAO Regional Conference for Europe

On May 11-15, 2026, in Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan, a delegation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretariat headed by Deputy Secretary-General T.R. Midhun took part in the 35th session of the Regional Conference for Europe of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) held under the theme "Together for Sustainability."

The forum brought together over 550 participants from 54 FAO member states and observer countries, as well as representatives from approximately 20 international organizations.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan, Kohir Rasulzoda, spoke at the opening plenary session. He stated that Central Asia has significant cumulative potential and could become a major food hub. He emphasized the importance of consolidated efforts by regional countries and international partners, as well as investments in processing, storage, and logistics.

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu in his address stressed the need for regional solidarity, innovation, and investment to accelerate the transformation of agrifood systems in Europe and Central Asia amid increasing climatic, economic, and geopolitical pressures.

T.R. Midhun sent a video address to the participants. He noted the importance of international cooperation in food security and sustainable agriculture in the face of global challenges. He drew attention to the need for consistent development of interaction among SCO member states in the agricultural sector, including the implementation of joint initiatives in the areas of breeding, seed production, and agricultural innovations.

On the sidelines of the Conference, T.R. Midhun and Qu Dongyu exchanged views on a number of pressing topics in the field of agriculture. They paid cpecial attention to strengthening the partnership between the SCO Secretariat and the FAO, including the preparation of a Plan of Action for 2026-2029 to implement the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding.

The Secretariat delegation also participated in the session "Central Asia: Unlocking the Region's Potential as a 'Breadbasket' - A Ministerial Dialogue on Investment."