2025 HIGH-LEVEL MINISTERIAL SPECIAL EVENT FOR SIDS, LDCs AND LLDCs From Vulnerability to Resilience - Strengthening Food Security and Better Life in SIDSs, LDCs and LLDCs Opening Statement

Excellences,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am so delighted to welcome you once again to FAO headquarters for this High-Level Ministerial Meeting dedicated to the transformation of agrifood systems focusing on moving “From vulnerability to resilience” in SIDSs, LDCs and LLDCs.

We are here because we recognize the unique challenges faced by these countries, and we are inspired by the potential within each of them to build more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient, and more sustainable agrifood systems.

I am pleased to report that since in the previous Ministerial Meeting in 2023, we have made much progress.

Through the FAO-GEF and FAO-GCF partnerships, FAO has helped these countries secure funding to strengthen agrifood systems against extreme and frequent weather events.

By the end of 2024, over USD 300 million from GEF funds supported 48 LDCs and SIDS, while by May 2025, the GCF provided over USD 300 million to 60 countries for National Adaptation Plans and capacity-building.

FAO remains dedicated to driving innovation to reshape agriculture in challenging times.

FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) prioritizes SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs.

Between 2024 and 2025, we approved 347 projects valued at almost USD 85 million, benefiting these 93 nations. Of these, 258 projects, totalling almost USD 60 million were at the national level, and 89 projects for approximately USD 25 million were implemented at the regional or sub-regional level.

Together, these represent approximately 70 percent of the overall TCP resources that were approved during this biennium.

Together, we have championed initiatives that bring together the best technology with local and traditional knowledge.

In some countries, we have introduced integrated approaches where traditional practices are enhanced by sustainable innovations.

From digital platforms that bring real-time market and weather information directly to farmers, to community-based projects that empower smallholder farmers with advanced techniques in resource conservation.

FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative supports 65 of the 93 countries.

Since 2023, 46 of these countries have participated in the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum, as part of the annual World Food Forum.

FAO has assisted in developing evidence-based agrifood investment proposals that are key for mobilizing targeted investments.

Between 2023 and 2025, 35 national Hand-in-Hand investment cases and two regional initiatives presented at the Forum amount to close to USD 14 billion.

The FAO flagship One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) Initiative – comprising nearly USD 20 million globally - supports countries to promote Special Agriculture Products.

To date, 48 SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs are engaged with this initiative

Excellences,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We must invest in data, information and solid scientific evidence, and in capacity development, and national and community-led initiatives that promote diversified healthy diets. This is critical to address hunger, and to ensure inclusive growth and well-being for all.

FAO continues to work alongside national governments, international organizations, development partners, civil society, the private sector and all relevant partners.

Our collaboration focuses on joint action and coordination, mobilizing resources, enhancing infrastructure, and developing evidence-based policies that open new avenues for local producers.

Such partnerships enable countries to overcome challenges of isolation and limited market access, transforming these obstacles into opportunities for economic and social development.

FAO’s support is set out in our Strategic Framework 2022–31, our blueprint that envisions a world founded on the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life – leaving no one behind.

We are transforming agrifood systems to safeguard food security and improve the lives and livelihoods of all, in particular these vulnerable states.

FAO continues to be committed to being a steadfast partner in the implementation of the 10‐year Programmes of Action, including the Doha Programme of Action for LDCs, the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS, and the Awaza Programme of Action for LLDCs.

Dear Friends,

FAO’s commitment to supporting SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs is driven by our understanding that food security is the foundation of all human progress, and that the right to food is a basic human right.

When agrifood systems thrive, economies grow, health improves, and societies flourish.

Investments in innovation, technology, nutrition, and sustainable financing are not isolated, but are part of an overarching transformation designed to leave no one behind.

We see in each country both the challenges that impede progress and the untapped potential that, with the right support, can spark opportunities for improved and sustainable livelihoods.

Today, as we gather to share ideas and create new partnerships, let us reaffirm our collective responsibility to empower the most vulnerable nations.

Our shared vision is a future where every small island, every least developed nation, and every landlocked country becomes a beacon of sustainable progress.

Where agrifood systems are resilient, economies are robust, and every citizen enjoys the promise of a better life, for people, planet and real, shared prosperity.

Thank you.