STI Forum Side Event: Science, Technology and Innovations as accelerators for inclusive and sustainable agrifood system transformation and achieving the SDGs leaving no one behind

STI Forum Side Event: Science, Technology and Innovations as accelerators for inclusive and sustainable agrifood system transformation and achieving the SDGs leaving no one behind

Angélica Jácome, Director, FAO Liaison Office with the United Nations in New York

06/05/2025

Excellencies, Distinguished delegates, esteemed guests,

• At the outset, allow me to express our appreciation for your valuable contributions today.
• This rich discussion demonstrated the key role of science, technology and innovation in reshaping agrifood systems globally, ensuring that we leave no one behind.
• It is impossible to summarize the breadth and depth of the discussion; but I would like to highlight a few takeaways that I got from this discussion.
• The FIRST is the broader understanding of the Members' technology needs, as well as the status of implementation of some of the initiatives and innovations already carried out by them.
• In particular, I wish to refer to the insightful interventions from Malawi and Rwanda.
• The SECOND is the importance of reviewing and pursuing advancements in technology and innovation, many of which were highlighted by the esteemed panelists, these include gene editing, synthetic biology and Artificial Intelligence applications as well as many others.
• To quote one of the panelists today (Matthew), we live in unprecedented times. It is, therefore, imperative to take these digital advancements into consideration, particularly in decision-making.
• The THIRD, and very closely linked to the second point, is the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of appropriate and location-specific technology and innovation. At the same time, we need to address the barriers and disparities in the adoption and use of these technologies - we need to use targeted approaches. We also need to keep up the pace as Vincent mentioned, echoing another of our esteemed panelist's intervention (Katherine) and find ways to empower farmers as agents of change.
• LAST BUT NOT LEAST, innovation and technology will have little chance of being adopted at a larger scale and benefiting many without a proper enabling environment. Moving forward, we need to carefully assess the opportunities and possible risks associated with introducing or adopting certain technologies and innovation to achieve agrifood systems transformation in Least Developed Countries, as well as low and middle income countries.
• We need to foster policies and build capacities through multistakeholder engagement, ensuring that countries are equipped to support and scale up these solutions.
• To this end, FAO has made significant progress through its Science and Innovation Strategy, mentioned by Vincent, and also the development of the FAO Agrifood Systems Technology and Innovation Outlook (ATIO) Stay tuned for its launch. This is a collective effort.
• Transformative partnerships and investments in science, technology and innovation are key to making strides towards more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, leaving no one behind.
• Thank you very much for your active engagement and participation in the side event.