3 October 2016, Rome--- After a succession of agricultural commodity price surges between 2008 and 2012 and the concern that international markets were becoming excessively volatile, markets have now become calmer and prices have declined. The conventional wisdom is that, in the long-term, real commodity prices would follow a declining trend interrupted by periodic and sudden surges. Declining agricultural commodity prices coincide with the beginning of efforts by the international community towards the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The theme of the meeting provides an excellent opportunity for ministers to share their views and experiences on important questions regarding the relationship between commodity prices and development, food security, poverty, trade and agricultural productivity and sustainability.