Consultation with the academia and research to the Regional Conference for Europe 2026
Virtual Event, 15/04/2026
10:00 - 13:00 CEST
Agrifood systems in Europe and Central Asia face growing challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and economic instability. Addressing these challenges requires integrated approaches that strengthen sustainability, resilience and investment in agrifood systems.
In preparation for the Thirty-fifth session of the FAO Regional Conference for Europe (ERC35), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will convene a consultation with academia and research institutions from across the region. Similar consultations organized ahead of Regional Conferences provide an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange views on shared priorities and explore opportunities for cooperation.
The Conference, to be held in May 2026 in Tajikistan, will discuss regional priorities under three main themes: integrating climate action and biodiversity conservation for sustainable agrifood systems, strengthening resilience, and mobilizing financing for agrifood systems transformation.
The online consultation will bring together representatives of the universities, academic and research institutions from the Europe and Central Asia region, and experts from the FAO.
The objective of the event is to provide a platform to share research insights, innovations and policy-relevant recommendations that can contribute to the discussions of the Regional Conference and to FAO’s regional programme of work.
Participants will discuss key challenges and research priorities related to sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, digital innovation and agrifood systems financing. The consultation will also help identify opportunities for strengthened collaboration between FAO and academic institutions in Europe and Central Asia. The consultation will also designate three spokespersons to present the outcomes of the discussion and the academic perspective at the ERC35. A summary report with key messages and selected spokespersons will be shared after the event.
The event will take place in English, with Russian interpretation provided.
