Islamabad: The Chairman of the Independent Council of the FAO, Mr Khalid Mehboob in his meeting with Mr Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research appreciated the government’s efforts to formulate policies that will be instrumental in achieving zero hunger, improving food security and nutrition in Pakistan. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s national agenda that prominently features Climate Change.
Mr Nasar Hayat, Assistant FAO Representative was also present during the meeting and briefed participants on recent initiatives of FAO focusing on Climate Resilient Agriculture and Climate Smart Water Management.
Mr Khalid Mehboob also met with Deputy Chairman Planning Commission of Pakistan, Mr Sartaj Aziz and exchanged views on matters of interest to both FAO and government of Pakistan.

Preparing rural communities to cope with climate change through South-South and Triangular Cooperation

Mr Khalid Mehboob held these meetings as he visited Islamabad to participate in a one-day seminar to exchange knowledge on innovative climate change adaptation and mitigation practices that rural communities and smallholder farmers can adopt to increase production and improve household incomes. The role of South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) in furthering the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was also discussed. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) convened this seminar.
Speaking at the seminar Mr Khalid Mehboob said: "Climate Smart initiatives of FAO in Pakistan have demonstrated that climate change adaptation can offer new opportunities to countries to build resilience of vulnerable communities".

Visit to FAO Representation office in Islamabad

Mr Khalid Mehboob accompanied by his wife Ms Giulietta also visited the FAO Representation office in Islamabad and met with the staff members. His visit to FAO Pakistan coincides with the 40 year celebrations of the Representation office in the country. Paying tribute to Khalid Mehboob’s illustrious career, Ms Mina’ Dowlatchahi FAO Representative said: “It is a privilege to have a veteran professional who has been associated with FAO in its fight against hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition for over 50 years , visit us as we celebrate 40 years of our presence in Pakistan.

Mr Khalid Mehboob told staff on the occasion that he was happy to be visiting FAO Pakistan for the second time and that their work in Pakistan was an example of the great strides that FAO program had made the world over.