What's Happening?
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu met with H.E. Yermek Kosherbayev, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, during the World Food Forum 2025 in Rome. The meeting focused on reviewing the ongoing collaboration between FAO and Kazakhstan and exploring ways to enhance their strategic partnership. The Director-General congratulated the Minister on his appointment and praised Kazakhstan's active participation in the FAO–Kazakhstan Partnership Programme. Discussions included the launch of a new Partnership Programme on Sustainable Water Resources and Irrigation, and the implementation of the Country Programming Framework for 2026–2030. The Minister emphasized Kazakhstan's priorities in sustainable agriculture, efficient water resources management, and climate resilience, expressing appreciation for FAO's technical support.
Why It's Important?
The collaboration between FAO and Kazakhstan is significant for advancing agrifood systems transformation at national and regional levels. Kazakhstan's commitment to sustainable agriculture and efficient water management aligns with global efforts to address climate change and food security. The partnership aims to improve Kazakhstan's institutional framework in areas such as carbon neutrality and sustainable land management, which could serve as a model for other countries. This cooperation enhances Kazakhstan's role in regional and global food security, potentially influencing policy and practice in sustainable agriculture.
What's Next?
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close cooperation, with plans to inaugurate the Kazakhstan Room at FAO headquarters. This initiative symbolizes Kazakhstan's dedication to contributing to global food security. Future steps may include further development of the Country Programming Framework and continued technical support from FAO to strengthen Kazakhstan's agricultural policies and practices. The partnership could lead to increased investment in sustainable agriculture and water management projects, benefiting both Kazakhstan and the broader international community.
Beyond the Headlines
The partnership between FAO and Kazakhstan highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges such as climate change and food security. It underscores the role of strategic partnerships in fostering innovation and resilience in agrifood systems. The focus on sustainable water resources and irrigation reflects a growing recognition of the need to manage natural resources efficiently to ensure long-term agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.
