Mr. Bouari: Priorities of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa “Fully Align” with Morocco’s Strategies
Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Mr. Ahmed Bouari, affirmed on Monday, June 30, in Rome, that the priorities of the 33rd session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa “fully align” with Morocco’s national strategies aimed at achieving inclusive and resilient agriculture, as well as a sustainable blue economy.
During his presentation of the outcomes of the 33rd Regional Conference, which was held in Rabat in April 2024 under Morocco’s chairmanship, as part of the proceedings of the 44th session of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Conference, Mr. Bouari explained that “the convergence between the priorities of the Regional Conference for Africa and Morocco’s strategies—such as the Green Generation, Forests of Morocco, and Halieutis—reflects the importance of South-South cooperation, which is at the heart of Morocco’s African commitment under the far-sighted leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, particularly through the sharing of technical expertise and best practices.”.
Speaking via videoconference at this high-level meeting, the Minister emphasized that the 33rd session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa led to the adoption of a set of key orientations, including accelerating climate-resilient agriculture, ensuring food security and sound nutrition, promoting sustainable land and water resource management, as well as agroecology and integrated climate action.
The Moroccan official pointed out that the Regional Conference also stressed the need to empower women and youth by improving access to finance, markets, and social protection, while recognizing the importance of national and local solutions through the promotion of local foods, the encouragement of public-private partnerships, and the reduction of food loss.
On the policy level, Mr. Bouari added that the Conference highlighted the importance of blended finance mechanisms that combine public and private capital, while also stressing the need to enhance the efficiency of FAO offices.
The Minister explained that the proceedings of the 33rd session, held under the theme “Resilient Agrifood Systems and Inclusive Rural Transformations,” responded to the urgent need to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goals 1, 2, and 10, in a context marked by climate change, economic instability, and geopolitical tensions.
He noted that the Conference saw the participation of 526 individuals, including 47 ministers representing 51 member countries, along with technical officials, development partners, regional organizations, civil society representatives, academia, the private sector, and associations of women and youth.
He added that the participants recommended the adoption of an integrated approach that combines infrastructure, innovation, and targeted policies. They also called for better alignment of programs with the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–2031, investment in climate-resilient crops and precision agriculture, innovation in financing methods, and the strengthening of local capacities.
In conclusion, Mr. Bouari announced that Mauritania will host the 34th Regional Conference for Africa in 2026.
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