The International Conference on Food Security in the Context of Climate Change entitled “Health and Nutrition in a Changing Climate” will be held in Ashgabat on 22 January 2026, FAO said in a press release.
The forum will provide a timely opportunity for dialogue and joint reflection on crucial nexus between climate change and agrifood systems.
In the context of climate change and evolving health risks, countries need to prepare their agrifood systems for the future. Frameworks already exist that offer practical pathways to address the complex interdependencies between climate change, agriculture and health. One Health is one such example.
One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. It recognizes that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent.
The approach mobilizes multiple sectors, disciplines, and communities at varying levels of society to work together to foster well-being and tackle threats to health and ecosystems, while addressing the collective need for clean water, energy and air, safe and nutritious food, taking action on climate change, and contributing to sustainable development.
Using a One Health approach to address the interactions between climate change and agrifood systems is important for ensuring food and nutrition security, and especially for improved access to healthy diets. Furthermore, sustainable food production, including nutrition sensitive actions are essential if we are to succeed in addressing all forms of malnutrition and ensure access to a healthy diet.
Building on the “Nutrition for Growth Commitments” made at the Nutrition for Growth Summit held in London in 2013, and at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP30, in Brazil in November 2025, the conference in Ashgabat will provide a space for countries to explore shared pathways towards more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.
More specifically, the event aims to inspire, connect, and raise awareness among decision-makers and experts of the need for joint actions in pursuit of sustainable agrifood systems in the region. It seeks to explore and promote science-based policy approaches, and to lay the foundation for technical and political collaboration across sectors and borders. To achieve this, the conference will combine a ministerial segment, technical sessions, and a wrap-up session.
Objectives of the Conference:
- Raise awareness among high-level decision-makers on the key global and regional challenges, including climate change, that affect and undermine the ability of the region’s agrifood systems to deliver sustainable outcomes and healthy diets.
- Foster cooperation and partnerships for an inclusive, climate-resilient transformation of agrifood systems. ///nCa, 10 January 2026