Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) QU Dongyu underscored FAO’s commitment to strengthening food security and nutrition, as well as climate-resilient agrifood systems across Europe and Central Asia, addressing at the International Conference on Food Security in the Context of Climate Change: Health and Nutrition in a Changing Climate, organized jointly by FAO and the Government of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat on January 22.
Opening the conference, the Director-General thanked the Government of Turkmenistan for convening the dialogue at a critical moment, as climate change increasingly affects agrifood systems worldwide. He stressed that the climate crisis is already a leading driver of hunger and malnutrition, impacting all three dimensions of food security—food availability, accessibility and affordability – as well as the four levels of food: basic, nutritional, healthy and functional. To this end, he called for urgent action to transform agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable.
Highlighting the importance of integrated solutions, the Director-General emphasized the One Health approach as a practical and impactful framework to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, food security, nutrition and health. “Food and agrifood systems are part of the solution” he emphasized and underscored the need for a cross-ministerial approach to One Health.
The Director-General also stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships, noting that collaboration across sectors, including public and private actors, as well as civil society and development partners was a vital part of agrifood systems transformation to achieve the Four Betters – better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind – as well as One Health, and effective climate solutions.
The one-day conference brought together ministers, senior officials and technical experts from agriculture, health and environment sectors across Central Asia, the Caucasus and neighbouring countries, as well as representatives of regional development banks and international organizations.
Discussions focused on integrated, multi-sectoral approaches to address the interlinked challenges of climate change, food security, nutrition and health, with particular attention to the One Health approach as a cornerstone for resilient agrifood systems.
As part of his visit, the Director-General toured several sites showcasing Turkmenistan’s agrifood systems and cultural heritage. At the Ashgabat Equestrian Sports Complex, he observed the renowned Akhal-Teke horses. He also visited the “Altyn Halka” Livestock State Enterprise, where discussions focused on sustainable livestock management, productivity and resilience in the face of climate change.
The programme also included visits to the State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan and the National Museum of Turkmen Carpets.
Concluding his visit, the Director-General reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to working closely with Turkmenistan and countries across the region to scale up climate action, strengthen regional cooperation and transform agrifood systems. ///nCa, 23 January 2026 (based on FAO press release, photo credit – FAO/TDH)