Dushanbe hosts diplomatic briefing ahead of FAO Regional Conference for Europe (ERC35)

The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), convened a high-level briefing on 20 April for the diplomatic corps in preparation for the 35th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Europe (ERC35), to be held in Dushanbe from 11 to 15 May 2026.

The briefing, moderated by Aghasi Harutyunyan, FAO Representative in Tajikistan, brought together heads and representatives of diplomatic missions, international organizations, and development partners accredited in the country. The event was organized with the participation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Tajikistan, in coordination with the ERC35 Secretariat.

The session highlighted the importance of ERC35 as a vital platform for fostering regional dialogue and cooperation on agriculture, food security, and sustainable development. It underscored the role of collaborative efforts in addressing shared challenges, promoting innovation, and strengthening partnerships among countries to achieve long-term sustainability and resilience in the agricultural sector.

“By hosting the Regional Conference — the FAO’s highest governing body for Europe and Central Asia — for the first time, the Republic of Tajikistan is confirming its readiness to play an active role in shaping regional agricultural policy. This forum will determine the direction of agri-food systems development for the next two years, acting as a strategic guide. It is therefore critically important that authorized representatives of states with the authority to make long-term decisions participate in its work. 'Tajikistan is fully committed to organizing this significant event to a high standard, and views it as an effective platform for consolidating efforts and developing constructive responses to the global challenges of our time,” stated H.E. Hakimzoda Kurbon, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Representatives of the Conference Secretariat provided practical information on participation, including registration procedures, protocol, visa requirements, and logistical arrangements.

“The ERC35 overview clearly highlights the critical importance of this conference for shaping the future of our agrifood systems. By focusing on key priorities, expected outcomes, and strategic relevance, ERC35 provides a solid basis for promoting regional cooperation and driving meaningful change. It is through such coordinated efforts that we can build more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems for the benefit of all, leaving no one behind,” said Nabil Gangi, Deputy Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia, and the Conference Secretary.

The briefing aimed to raise awareness within the diplomatic community of the agenda and significance of ERC35, encourage active engagement and participation from embassies and international partners, enhance Tajikistan’s visibility as the host of a major regional conference, and identify collaboration and outreach opportunities in the run-up to ERC35.

The 35th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Europe represents a timely and important opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation and promote sustainable agrifood systems across Europe and Central Asia. Hosting this significant gathering in Dushanbe is a great honour, and preparations are underway to welcome partners for a constructive and forward-looking dialogue.

Yesterday’s briefing emphasized a strong commitment to ensuring an inclusive, well-coordinated, and impactful conference, and encouraged the active engagement of the diplomatic community in the lead-up to ERC35. There is a shared commitment to delivering a successful and meaningful conference that fosters regional partnerships and advances sustainable agricultural development.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

FAO Regional Conferences 

What and why: FAO Regional Conferences are official forums in which ministers of agriculture and high-level officials from member states within a single region discuss issues and priorities relating to food and agriculture. The aim is to promote regional convergence on global policy measures and political issues. 

As the organization’s highest governing body at the regional level, regional conferences play a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness of the FAO's regional work with member states, as well as setting priorities for the next two years. 

Who: Ministers of agriculture and senior officials from the region actively participate in the conference. Representatives of regional, interregional and international organizations, civil society and the private sector are invited to attend as observers. 

Where: Regional conferences are held in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, and North Africa. They are hosted in rotation by member states from the respective regions. 

When: Regional conferences are convened once every two years. 

The 34th FAO Regional Conference for Europe took place from 4–6 May 2024 in Rome, Italy, and was hosted by the Republic of Moldova.

FAO in Europe and Central Asia 

Stretching from Lisbon to Vladivostok and from the Arctic Circle to the Pamir Mountains in Central Asia, the Europe and Central Asia region is the largest and most diverse of FAO’s regions worldwide in terms of activities. 

Comprising 53 countries and one member organization (the European Union), the region faces a wide range of challenges in food production and agriculture, including improving nutrition, combating livestock diseases, obtaining reliable agricultural statistics, land remediation, disposing of obsolete  pesticides, adopting protocols for food safety compliance, conserving crop genetic resources, and expanding access to global markets.