SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

The recommendations made by the Twenty-seventh FAO Regional Conference for the Near East were as follows:

1. General Debate

1.1 For the attention of Governments

The Conference called upon Governments to:

1. Review the document “Agreement for the Establishment of the Regional Animal Health Commission for the Near East and North Africa” and forward their consent or views to the ADG/ FAO Regional Representative for the Near East.

1.2 For the attention of FAO

The Conference requested FAO to:

1. Act, through its Regional Office for the Near East, as focal point for follow-up with interested countries towards the establishment of the Animal Health Commission for the Near East and North Africa, as applicable in FAO rules and regulations;
2. Continue providing support to member countries, especially those facing major food crises as a result of natural disasters or conflict situations.

2. Report of the Senior Officers Meeting

The Conference adopted the report of the Senior Officers Meeting with the following recommendations:

2.1 Follow-up to the World Food Summit and World Food Summit: 5 Years Later- Regional Dimensions

2.1.1 For the attention of Governments

The Meeting called upon Governments to:

1. Give due attention to developing and updating national strategies for agricultural development, with particular attention to sustainability, competitiveness, marketing and food security, as well as to formulating Regional Programmes for Food Security;
2. Encourage regional co-operation initiatives such as establishing a coordinated stand in the framework of multilateral agricultural trade negotiations, harmonizing agricultural policies and relevant legislations, promoting intra-regional agricultural trade and strengthening technical cooperation among countries of the Region;
3. Support the newly established Near East and North Africa Regional Network for Agricultural Policies –NENARNAP- and the Regional Network on Drought Management for the Near East and the Mediterranean, as well as other existing regional agricultural networks/associations, including: AARINENA, AFMANENA, CARDNE, NENARACA;
4. Intensify efforts to improve human resources development at all levels in the agricultural sector, with emphasis on reinforcing national agricultural research, technology-transfer, marketing and extension institutions; and
5. Increase investment in agriculture and rural development, and support the role of the private sector.

2.1.2 For the attention of FAO

The Meeting requested FAO to:

1. Support Member countries in formulating appropriate national and regional strategies and programmes addressing sustainable agricultural development and food security;
2. Continue to support the Near East and North Africa Regional Network for Agricultural Policies – NENARNAP – and the Regional Network on Drought Management for the Near East and the Mediterranean, as well as other existing regional agricultural networks/associations;
3. Assist Member countries in enhancing human resources’ capacity, introducing appropriate institutional and policy reforms related to changes in international and regional economic environment and continue providing technical support and capacity building for national experts on WTO and other multilateral agricultural trade negotiations;
4. Assist Member countries in strengthening national research, extension and marketing institutions, micro-agro enterprises, as well as strengthening extension/research linkages with due consideration to successful initiatives in the Region such as the Virtual Extension/Research Communication Network (VERCON); and
5. Conduct a study on the impact of the Separation Wall on the agricultural sector and food security in the Palestinian Territories and mobilize financial support for rehabilitation of the agricultural sector.

2.2 International Alliance Against Hunger

The Meeting agreed that National Alliances could be important catalysts in mobilizing political will and resources at national and international levels, and could play a key role in reducing hunger. It was also agreed that a twin-track approach would address food security in all its dimensions mainly availability, accessibility/utilization and stability of food supplies.

2.3 Towards Improved Water Demand Management in the Near East

2.3.1. For the Attention of Governments

The Meeting called upon Governments to:

1. Review water-related policies to introduce measures for reducing water loss and pollution, with a major focus on water scarcity and drought preparedness and mitigation as well as on establishing/reviewing water regulatory frameworks;
2. Enhance water use efficiency and consider the potential of cost recovery of irrigation services such as operation and maintenance costs;
3. Adopt structural adjustments to water demand and watershed management, including human resources development in agricultural water management, institutional reforms, organization of beneficiaries and their participation in irrigation schemes management, involving the private sector with emphasis on farmers and irrigation service providers; and
4. Promote usage of non-conventional water resources and support research on the safe reuse of treated wastewater and of brackish and saline water, giving due attention to rainfed agriculture, improving water-use efficiency and crop management, and the development of drought and salt-tolerant crop varieties.

2.3.2. For the Attention of FAO

The Meeting requested FAO to:

1. Continue providing technical assistance to member countries in policy, regulatory and institutional review processes and their implementation;
2. Assist member countries in the development, promotion and adoption of adapted technological packages on water demand and watershed management;
3. Support capacity building and facilitate exchange of experiences and information among member countries on relevant aspects of improved water management in agriculture;
4. Organize a regional workshop on water-harvesting and flood management to assist countries in developing appropriate strategies. In this respect, Iran offered to host and support such an event; and
5. Advocate for improved water productivity in agriculture.

2.4 Food Safety and International Trade in the Near East Region

2.4.1 For the attention of Governments

The Meeting called upon Governments to:

1. Modernize food control systems by creating a proper regulatory framework, strengthening the capacity of food inspection services, upgrading the capacity of food control laboratories, and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of relevant national institutions in order to minimize duplication;
2. Improve the capacities of national scientific and technical expertise and enhance participation in the activities of the Codex Alimentarius Commission;
3. Implement quality assurance systems in food production and processing; and
4. Strengthen the capacities for national food-borne diseases surveillance and create a rapid alert system and mechanism for communication with food control authorities for implementing necessary corrective measures, as well as in raising consumer awareness on these issues.

2.4.2 For the attention of FAO

The Meeting requested FAO to:

1. Continue providing support to strengthen the capacity of countries to manage food safety, through the provision of appropriate needs-based technical assistance, at regional, sub-regional and national levels, within the available financial and human resources of the Organization, and in collaboration with WHO; and
2. Use appropriate mechanisms to facilitate communication and information/experience exchange in food-borne disease surveillance among countries of the Region, as well as information about food-borne hazards.

2.5 Establishment of the Animal Health Commission for the Near East and North Africa (AHCNENA)

1. The Meeting appreciated the invitation extended by Kuwait to host and support the Commission, when established.
2. Following a thorough discussion, the Meeting resolved to refer the “Agreement for Establishment of the Regional Animal Health Commission for the Near East and North Africa” to the Ministerial Segment for a final decision.

2.6 Other Matters

2.6.1 Side Events

A. Roundtable on Financing Agricultural Development in the Near East

The Meeting welcomed FAO’s initiative for holding, in cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank, the Roundtable Meeting on Financing Agricultural Development in the Near East as a side-event to the Regional Conference. The Roundtable aimed at spearheading the discussion on the need and importance of increasing financial flows towards agricultural development. The Meeting requested FAO to consider holding follow-up events to further discuss ways and means to promote investment in agriculture, in collaboration with other partners-in-development and with countries of the Region. (Annex F includes the Summary Report of the Roundtable).

B. Sub-regional Strategy for Food Security for North Africa

The Meeting took note of the Side-event held on Sub-regional Strategy for Food Security for North Africa. The Side-event was attended by Representatives of all member countries of the Sub-region. The side-event stressed the need and importance of continuing the technical collaboration between FAO and the Secretariat of the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) in formulating a Sub-regional Strategy and Programme for Food Security. It was agreed to continue the dialogue in that respect and FAO expressed its readiness to consider providing possible technical support for such process, as needed and requested. (Annex G includes more information on this side-event).

2.6.2 Desert Locust Control Efforts

The Conference noted with appreciation, FAO efforts in combating desert locust, through its EMPRES programme. It urged donor countries to provide urgent support for control of desert locust and bird swarms in the Western Region.

2.6.3 Rural Digital Divide

The Conference appreciated FAO’s new programme for bridging the rural digital divide, and invited support for development of global partnerships to harness information and knowledge for enhancement of food security and poverty reduction, as well as human and institutional capacity building in this regard.

3. NGO’s / CSO’s Consultation for the Near East

In light of the WFS Plan of Action, the convening of NGO’s/CSO’s Consultations coinciding with FAO Regional Conferences has become a tradition since the 23^rd FAO Regional Conference for the Near East. The present NGO’s/CSO’s Consultation convened from 11 – 13 March 2004 in Doha, Qatar, in parallel to the Regional Conference, involving a number of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) and Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s). A short statement on this Consultation was presented to the Conference. The Conference took note of the NGO Consultation which underlined the importance of strengthened partnership with these active players to benefit from their experiences in working with local communities and grassroots organizations.

4. Proposed List of Topics to be Considered for the 28^th Regional Conference for the Near East

The Conference formed a committee, consisting of representatives of three Governments (Iran, Morocco and Sudan) plus the Rapporteur and a member of FAO Secretariat, to assist in collecting proposed topics by member countries and to prepare a list of topics for consideration by the Conference. The Conference reviewed the various topics compiled by the committee and requested the Conference Secretariat to submit the approved condensed list of topics (shown below) to FAO/HQ for consideration and possible inclusion in the Conference Agenda for the 28^th Regional Conference for the Near East:

1. Refinement of marketing rules and regulations for adjustment to economic reforms and the new socio-economic changes.
2. Quality control and post-harvest handling of agricultural commodities.
3. Agricultural extension, research and technology transfer for sustainable agricultural development.
4. Organic farming in the Near East: issues, constraints and potentials.
5. Investment for Agricultural Development: current situation, constraints and future prospects.
6. The role of private sector in financing and implementing irrigation projects.
7. Restructuring of the agricultural sector to cope with the new global changes.
8. Evaluation of country experiences on farmers participation in management of public irrigation systems (water users association).
9. Use of biotechnology and genetic engineering in support of rural development in the Near East: pros and cons.
10. Identification of priority national and regional agricultural and food security projects and exploring possibilities for their finance and implementation.
11. Strengthening regional cooperation in controlling trans-boundary animal diseases.
12. Promotion of intra-regional livestock trade in the Near East Region.

5. Date and Place of the Twenty-eighth FAO Regional Conference for the Near East

The Conference welcomed the offer, extended by the Government of Yemen to host the 28th FAO Regional Conference for the Near East and requested the Director-General of FAO to take this kind offer into consideration when deciding on the date and place of the coming Conference, in consultation with member governments of the Region.

I. INTRODUCTORY ITEMS

Organization of the Conference

1. The Twenty-seventh FAO Regional Conference for the Near East was held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 13 to 17 March 2004 at the kind invitation of the Government of Qatar. The Conference was attended by 92 delegates from 22 countries, and 38 observers. The list of participants is attached as Appendix B to this Report.

Inaugural Ceremony

2. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Ministers, representatives of member countries, observers, high-rank state officials, representatives of UN and Regional Organizations, NGOs, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions in the State of Qatar, as well as representatives from the news media.

3. His Highness Sheikh Abdallah Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Prime Minister, inaugurated the Conference. In his opening address, the Prime Minister welcomed all participants on behalf of his Government and conveyed the regards of His Highness the Prince of Qatar, and His Highness the Crown Prince of Qatar to the Conference. He expressed high appreciation to FAO and its Regional Office for the Near East for holding the 27^th Regional Conference for the first time in Qatar.

4. His Highness stressed the importance of regional and international cooperation in the fight against hunger. In this regard, he reconfirmed his country’s support to FAO’s efforts for promoting agricultural development and food security, and to the FAO Director-General, in his continuous efforts towards achievement of these noble goals.

5. Dr. Jacques Diouf, the FAO Director-General, expressed his profound gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and to the Government and People of Qatar for their warm welcome and hospitality. He thanked His Highness Sheikh Abdalla Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Prime Minister of Qatar, for inaugurating the Conference and for the good arrangements made and excellent facilities provided for the Conference.

6. His Excellency Sheikh Ali Bin Saad Al-Kawari, Minister for Municipal Affairs and Agriculture, addressed the Conference and reiterated his country’s appreciation to the continuous efforts exerted by FAO, in partnership with other international bodies concerned with agricultural development, to meet the commitment made by countries of the world in the World Food Summit in 1996.

7. The Minister concluded by stating that the best way to address economic and technical problems faced by countries of the Near East was through concerted efforts and enhanced collaboration among countries of the Region. He emphasized the importance of regional and sub-regional projects that deals with common problems and shared utilization of agricultural resources, including fisheries and livestock.

Election of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons and Appointment of the Rapporteur

8 His Excellency Mr. Ali Bin Saad Al-Kawari, Minister for Municipal Affairs and Agriculture in Qatar, was unanimously elected Chairperson of the Conference.

9. The Conference resolved that all other Heads of Delegations would be Vice-Chairpersons.

10. Dr. Mohamed Said Harbi, Chairperson of the Near East Group of Permanent Representatives to FAO, was appointed as the Conference Rapporteur.

Adoption of the Agenda and Timetable

11. The Conference adopted the Provisional Agenda NERC/04/1 (Appendix A) with one amendment to include discussion on the Establishment of the Animal Health Commission for the Near East and North Africa (AHCNENA), and introduced some changes to the Timetable NERC/04INF/2.

II. STATEMENTS

Statement by the Director-General

12. Dr. Jacques Diouf, Director-General of FAO, presented his statement (Appendix D) in which he reviewed the state of food and agriculture in the world underlining issues of substantial interest to the Near East Region. The Director-General referred to the meeting of WTO General Council in December 2003, emphasizing that fair trading policy was essential for rural development and food security. He noted that commitment to achieving the Doha Development Agenda for the agricultural sector was reconfirmed at the Roundtable on this subject held during the 32^nd session of FAO Conference. In this context, he stated that the role of FAO’s Committee on Commodity Problems (CCP) was more important than ever. With this in mind, Dr. Diouf informed the Conference that FAO was planning to invite representatives from the ministries of trade to the next session of this Committee in February 2005.

13. The Director General briefed the Conference that during the World Food Summit: five years later held in June 2002, the Heads of States and Government resolved to hasten implementation of the Summit’s Plan of Action and called for an International Alliance Against Hunger. He highlighted that national alliances were now being formed in member countries to mobilize governments, parliaments, NGOs, civil society, the private sector and agricultural organizations.

14. The Director-General noted that in spite of the diversity of climatic conditions, varying resources and different levels of economic development among countries of the Near East, they shared a number of similar challenges, which warranted a search for common solution which could be adapted to specific country situations. He pointed out that agriculture accounted for 13% of gross domestic product and employed 36% of the population in the Region as a whole. Yet, it only accounted for 3% of national budgets which should reach at least 5% in the next five years.

15. The Director-General pointed out that scarcity of water constituted the most formidable challenge for agriculture in the Region. He noted that the 2002/2003 season was satisfactory because of favourable climatic conditions. Agriculture output grew 2.5% as compared to the negative annual growth of the preceding three years which was due to the severe drought that affected much of the Region. However, he noted with concern that six countries in the Region faced major food crises in 2003 as a result of natural disasters or conflict situations. Some countries also had to deal with an invasion of desert locust, despite control operations.

16. The Director-General highlighted salient points on the agenda starting with the regional dimensions in follow-up to the World Food Summit; the persistent situation of water scarcity; food safety and international trade; and establishment of the Animal Health Commission for the Near East, The Director-General also emphasized the importance of the Roundtable Meeting on Financing Agricultural Development, held as a side-event to the Regional Conference.

17. The Director-General drew attention to a number of challenges confronting agriculture in the Region, including the need for more effective water use; drought mitigation and monitoring climate change as additional measures to combat desertification. He highlighted the need for reform in banking systems to provide small farmers with adequate and timely access to credit, while safeguarding the viability of financing institutions. He further noted the need for upgrading food marketing systems to reduce post-harvest losses.

18. The Director-General concluded by reconfirming FAO’s commitment to continue support to governments and regional partners in the implementation of coherent and effective programmes and in the mobilization of domestic and external sources of funding. He pointed out that FAO attached a great deal of importance to the collaboration with concerned regional organizations including the Arab League and regional economic organizations for the preparation and implementation of Regional Programmes for Food Security.

III. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

Report on FAO Activities in the Near East Region During 2002-2003

19. Mr. Mohamad Albraithen, Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative for the Near East, briefed the Conference on FAO activities in the Region during the 2002-2003 biennium. He reviewed actions taken in response to the recommendations of the 26^th FAO Regional Conference. for the Near East. Mr. Albraithen also described the main thrusts of the ongoing programme of work and advised on the future orientation of the programmes and activities of the Regional Office, in response to priority issues in the Region.

20. The Conference commended the wide and extensive range of FAO activities in the Region during the 2002-2003 biennium. The Conference endorsed the future orientation of the Regional Programme and expressed its satisfaction that this Programme would assist member governments in addressing issues of priority for food and agriculture in the Region.

Report of the Senior Officers Meeting

21. Following thorough examination, the Conference unanimously adopted the Report of the Senior Officers Meeting NERC/04/SOM/REP (Appendix E) with minor amendments.

Establishment of the Animal Health Commission for the Near East and North Africa (AHCNENA)

22. The Conference discussed the “Agreement for Establishment of the Regional Animal Health Commission for the Near East and North Africa” referred to it by the Senior Officers Meeting. Following a thorough examination, the Conference agreed that member countries would review the document “Agreement for the Establishment of the Regional Animal Health Commission for the Near East and North Africa” and forward their consent or views to the FAO Regional Representative for the Near East.

23. The Conference further requested the Regional Office to act as focal point for follow-up with member countries on the establishment of the Commission, and to act according to their responses and FAO rules and regulations.

General Debate

24. The Conference discussed specific points related to the FAO Regional Office activities and programmes, and to the Report of the Senior Officers' Meeting. In addition, country delegates highlighted a range of issues of interest to the Region, reconfirming key recommendations of the Senior Officers Meeting which have been adopted by the Conference.

25. The Conference commended FAO and its Regional Office for the Near East for its continued support to countries of the Region, including support to national efforts for development of agriculture at small-scale farmer level, and enhancement of food security. The Conference requested FAO to continue providing support to member countries, especially those facing major food crises as a result of natural disasters or conflict situations.

NGO’s/CSO’s Consultation for the Near East

26. In support of the WFS Plan of Action, the convening of NGO’s/CSO’s Consultations coinciding with FAO Regional Conferences has become a tradition since the 23^rd FAO Regional Conference held in Rabat, Morocco. The present Regional NGO’s/CSO’s Consultation convened from 11 – 13 March 2004 in Doha, Qatar, in parallel to the Regional Conference, involving a number of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) and Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s). A short statement on this Consultation was presented to the Conference. The Conference took note of the NGO Consultation which underlined the importance of strengthened partnership with these active players to benefit from their experiences in working with local communities and grassroots organizations.

IV. OTHER MATTERS

Proposed List of Topics to be Considered at the 28th Regional Conference for the Near East

27. The Conference formed a committee, consisting of representatives of three Governments (Iran, Morocco and Sudan) plus the Rapporteur and a member of FAO Secretariat, to assist in collecting proposed topics by member countries and to prepare a list of topics for consideration by the Conference. The Conference reviewed the various topics compiled by the committee and requested the Conference Secretariat to submit the approved condensed list of topics (shown below) to FAO/HQ for consideration and possible inclusion in the Conference Agenda for the 28^th Regional Conference for the Near East:

1. Refinement of marketing rules and regulations for adjustment to economic reforms and the new socio-economic changes.
2. Quality control and post-harvest handling of agricultural commodities.
3. Agricultural extension, research and technology transfer for sustainable agricultural development.
4. Organic farming in the Near East: issues, constraints and potentials.
5. Investment for Agricultural Development: current situation, constraints and future prospects.
6. The role of private sector in financing and implementing irrigation projects.
7. Restructuring of the agricultural sector to cope with the new global changes.
8. Evaluation of country experiences on farmers participation in management of public irrigation systems (water users association).
9. Use of biotechnology and genetic engineering in support of rural development in the Near East: pros and cons.
10. Identification of priority national and regional agricultural and food security projects and exploring possibilities for their finance and implementation.
11. Strengthening regional cooperation in controlling trans-boundary animal diseases.
12. Promotion of intra-regional livestock trade in the Near East Region.

V. CONCLUDING ITEMS

Date and Place of the Twenty-eighth FAO Regional Conference for the Near East

28. The Conference welcomed the offer extended by the Government of Yemen to host the 28th FAO Regional Conference for the Near East and requested the Director-General of FAO to take this kind offer into consideration when deciding on the date and place of the coming Conference, in consultation with member Governments of the Region.

Adoption of the Conference Report

29. The Conference adopted the Report with minor amendments.

Closure of the Conference

30. On behalf of FAO, Mr. Mohamad Albraithen, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East, expressed his deep appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani and to the Government and people of the State of Qatar for hosting the Conference and for the excellent facilities and arrangements which contributed to the success of the Conference. Mr. Albraithen thanked H. E. Mr. Ali Bin Saad Al-Kawari, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture, and the Organizing Committee for all their efforts and contributions in preparation for and organization of the Conference.

31. His Excellency Mr. Salim Bin Hilal Al-Khalili, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Sultanate of Oman, spoke on behalf of the delegates expressing thanks and appreciation to the Government and People of Qatar for their warm welcome and hospitality. Mr. Al-Khalili commended FAO for its valuable efforts and services in promoting food security in the world, under the leadership of Dr. Diouf. He proposed sending a cable of thanks to His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, for the generous hospitality and kind welcome provided to all participants of the Conference.

32. The Conference Rapporteur, Dr. Mohamed Harbi, Chairperson of the Near East Group of Permanent Representatives to FAO, reiterated deep thanks and appreciation to His Highness the Prince of Qatar, and to the Government and People of Qatar for hosting the Conference. He extended his thanks to Dr. Jacques Diouf for his continuous support to the fight against poverty and hunger, particularly in this Region. Dr. Harbi also commended staff of the FAO Regional Office for the Near East, headed by Mr. Mohamed Albraithen, for their action in implementing recommendations of the 26^th Regional Conference and their relentless efforts in support of food security in the Region.

33. In his closing statement, His Excellency Mr. Ali Bin Saad Al-Kawari, Minister of Agriculture and Municipal Affairs and Chairperson of the Conference, expressed his deep appreciation to FAO under the leadership of Dr. Jacques Diouf, and to distinguished participants from Member countries for their attendance and active participation.

34. The Chairperson declared the Conference closed at 10:00 hrs, on Wednesday, 17 March 2004.

APPENDICES