What's Happening?
The Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum 2025, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has launched at its headquarters in Rome, presenting over $15.9 billion in investment opportunities aimed at enhancing food security
for vulnerable populations worldwide. The four-day event gathers more than 2000 participants, including government officials, private companies, development banks, and foundations. The forum facilitates bilateral meetings where countries can propose projects that promise profitable and livelihood-improving outcomes, such as Somalian sesame and Tuvalu taro. FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized the need for strategic and long-term investments to transform global agrifood systems, highlighting the potential for growth in low and lower-middle income countries. The forum showcases investment opportunities across 31 countries and six regional initiatives, potentially benefiting over 175 million people by improving food security, nutrition, and climate resilience.
Why It's Important?
The Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum is crucial in addressing global hunger and promoting sustainable development through targeted investments in agrifood systems. By mobilizing large-scale, data-driven financing, the forum aims to transform agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. This initiative is particularly significant for low and lower-middle income countries, which hold substantial potential for growth and transformation. The forum's focus on strategic allocation of resources ensures that investments deliver the greatest impact, guided by robust data and analysis. The involvement of international financial institutions and governments helps de-risk private investments, making it easier to attract responsible private capital. This approach not only addresses immediate food security challenges but also fosters long-term economic growth and resilience in vulnerable regions.
What's Next?
The forum will continue to facilitate bilateral meetings and networking opportunities for governments and investors to explore and finalize investment deals. The event includes thematic sessions on systemic investing, climate finance, and innovative approaches for women and youth. A high-level panel will discuss bridging investments and smallholder farmers for resilient coffee value chains. Additionally, an interactive exhibition will showcase FAO's methodologies and tools, such as geospatial analysis and climate-risk assessment. The forum aims to secure commitments and mobilize funding to realize the proposed investment opportunities, potentially transforming agrifood systems and improving livelihoods for millions globally.
Beyond the Headlines
The Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum highlights the ethical and cultural dimensions of global food security, emphasizing the need for inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems. By prioritizing investments in vulnerable regions, the forum addresses disparities in food access and promotes equitable growth. The initiative also underscores the importance of integrating climate resilience into agrifood systems, ensuring that investments contribute to environmental sustainability. The focus on women and youth in agrifood systems reflects a commitment to empowering marginalized groups and fostering social equity.
