A high-level virtual dialogue exploring innovative solutions to boost the productivity of nutrition-sensitive food systems in low-and middle-income countries. 

Date: Wednesday, 31 March 2021

Time: 16:00-20:00 (UTC+8)

In this high-level virtual discussion hosted by the FAO regional network, multi-disciplinary experts came together to discuss innovative food system solutions to ensure access to affordable, safe and nutritious diets for all.

WorldFish’s Global Lead for Nutrition and Public Health, Shakuntala Thilsted, joined the expert panel to discuss the contributions of aquatic foods in delivering nutrition-sensitive diets for the poor communities in Asia, Africa and the Near East.

Thilsted provided insight on the importance of including aquatic food systems in the global agricultural research agenda, critical to accelerating food systems transformation and ending malnutrition and hunger in all its form by 2030.

 

Opening remarks:

  • Serge Nakouzi, Regional Representative a.i., FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) 

Keynote presentation:

  • Mahmoud El Solh, Member of Steering Committee, High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE), Committee on World Food Security (Former Director-General, ICARDA)
    • Harnessing the benefits of diversified agri-food system for healthy diets

Invited speakers:

  • Shakuntala Thilsted, Global Lead, Nutrition and Public Health, WorldFish (Member of Steering Committee, HLPE, CFS; Vice Chair, UN Food System Summit 2021: Action Track 4:Advance Equitable Livelihoods)
  • Yemi Akinbamijo, CEO, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)
  • Kadambot Siddique, Hackett Professor of Agriculture, Chair and Director, University of Western Australia (FAO Special Ambassador on International Year of Pulses)
  • Aly Abousabaa, Director-General, ICARDA

Moderator:

  • Ismahane Elouafi, Chief Scientist, FAO

 

For more information, read the full concept note and event agenda and explore the official event webpage.

Follow WorldFish, FAO regional network and the hashtag and #AquaticFoods to check out past conversations on Twitter.