From 25 to 26 April 2024, FAO, alongside IFPRI and the University of Notre Dame, co-organized and participated in a pivotal event as Avanzar2030 convened a dynamic meeting aimed at reshaping the future of sustainable agrifood systems. Hosted by the Instituto Interamericano de Cooperación para la Agricultura (IICA) in Coronado, Costa Rica, andwith support from USAID and the Juno Evidence Alliance, this gathering proved to be a catalyst for innovation and collaboration in the agricultural sector.  

The programme emerges from Ceres2030, a project highlighted by eight evidence syntheses published in Nature, offering recommendations on effective intervention spending for achieving zero hunger by 2030. Built upon the results of the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit, and positioned as a core initiative within Hesat2030, Avanzar2030 seeks to transform high-level aspirations into tangible actions and strategies. It provides evidence on effective interventions to foster more nutritious, productive, inclusive, and sustainable food systems in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

Bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders from over 20 organizations, including FAO’s policy experts, Cristian Morales and Elsa Olivetti, researchers, practitioners and policymakers, the meeting served as a platform for intensive discussions, knowledge exchange, and co-creation. Participants engaged in a series of interactive sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to enhance collaboration and drive actionable solutions to sustainable agriculture and food outcomes in LAC.

At the heart of the meeting was Avanzar2030's commitment to identifying and amplifying promising innovations in agrifood systems. With a focus on sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity, the initiative aimed to address pressing challenges such as climate change adaptation, livelihood creation, and food security enhancement.

During the two-day event, attendees delved into critical topics such as public interventions, technology adoption, and climate action support mechanisms. Through rigorous discussions and evidence-based insights, the meeting equipped participants with the knowledge, tools and cost estimates needed to drive meaningful change in their respective fields.

As Avanzar2030, FAO and other institutionscollaborateto pave their way for sustainable agrifood systems, this transformative meeting marked a significant milestone in the journey towards a more resilient and equitable future for agriculture. With collaboration and innovation at its core, the event sparked new ideas, forged new partnerships, and charted a course towards a brighter tomorrow.