Parliament of Malaysia champions in promoting ASEAN Guidelines on Responsible Investment in Food, Agriculture, and Forestry (ASEAN RAI)

FAO, in collaboration with the Parliament of Malaysia and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), organizes a National Parliamentary Briefing on Promoting ASEAN Guidelines on Responsible Investment in Food, Agriculture, and Forestry (ASEAN RAI). With technical support from the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), this briefing represents a significant advancement in strengthening parliamentary action to drive responsible and sustainable investment in food, agriculture, and food system in the country.

Under Malaysia’s during its AIPA and ASEAN Presidency, this briefing emphasizes the vital role of parliamentary oversight in ensuring that the ASEAN RAI Guidelines are effectively implemented within national policies and legislative frameworks. By bringing together parliamentarians, representatives from ministries, academia, ASEAN Secretariats, this event facilitates meaningful discussions on enhancing responsible agricultural investment practices. It builds on the ASEAN RAI Parliamentary Implementation Framework 2024–2030, adopted at the 45th AIPA General Assembly, and continues its engagement following the 3rd AIPA-FAO-IISD Joint Workshop in December 2024, which identified pathfinder parliaments.

“Our commitment to parliamentary oversight ensures that agricultural investment policies and practices are ethically sound, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable. This platform brings together Members of Parliament, the AIPA Secretariat, and key stakeholders to deliberate on oversight strategies that uphold transparency, accountability, and long-term resilience in agricultural investments” said H.E. Dato’ Dr. Ramli bin Mohd Nor, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Parliament of Malaysia.

“Food security, a key priority of Malaysia’s AIPA Presidency, highlights the essential role of agriculture and forestry in the economy. Responsible investment is crucial to promote productivity while safeguarding resources and communities” said H.E. Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman, Secretary General of AIPA.

“A fundamental step in addressing challenges for sustainable food systems for better nutrition is to increase investments in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors. Such investment is crucial for food security and poverty alleviation. To generate long-term sustainable benefits for people and the planet, it must be responsible,” said Rajendra Aryal, FAO Representative in Indonesia and Timor-Leste and FAO focal point for ASEAN.