A regional parliamentary summit, with the theme "The road to comprehensive and flexible agro-food systems in the region", was organized on Tuesday in Tirana, with the participation of representatives from 22 countries in the region, proving the importance and commitment to the development of sustainable agriculture.

Speaking at this summit, Raimund Jehle, representative of the World Food Organization (FAO) said that, "agro-food systems are related to every aspect of human existence and are closely related to human and animal health, soil, water, climate, biodiversity and economy".

According to him, the many crises affecting the region of Europe and Central Asia, as well as world challenges such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, and environmental pollution, significantly affect the transformation of agro-food systems.

In this context, he underlined, the assessment of the situation regarding the agro-food systems in the region shows that they are failing on multiple levels. “Achieving food security, nutrition, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 require a series of coordinated actions on several fronts: coherent policies and programs, increased funding and investments in line with national priorities and requirements for greater cooperation in different sectors and with different parties of interest," said Jehle.

He emphasized the role of executive bodies of governments in facilitating implementation, through their institutions and networks.

"Members of parliaments have a strategic position to make the sustainable transformation of the agro-food system a priority of the national political agenda. This includes supporting policy adoption, defining appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks, raising awareness, and fostering dialogue between relevant parties. Parliaments are called upon to contribute more effectively to the administration of food systems, including increasing food and environmental security, and related processes along the food supply chain," said Jehle.

He noted that this summit serves the exchange of views and knowledge on the state of agro-food systems and promotes the role of the Parliament and more specifically the role of the Agriculture Commissions in handling and responding to crises and challenges that affect or may promote the transformation of food systems, to incorporate innovative approaches and responses that improve sustainability.

"Agro-food systems are at the heart of our economy and society. They are closely related to our health, our environment, and our resilience in the face of global challenges, including climate change, food security, and economic inequality. Our discussions today are crucial, as they will shape the strategies we use to ensure a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all," said Jehle.

“We have the opportunity to explore innovative practices, share knowledge on sustainable agricultural practices, and explore how we can use technology to increase productivity while protecting our natural resources. It is also essential that we engage farmers, producers, and communities in our daily work, ensuring that their needs are met and that our policies and legislative decisions are informed by these needs," he concluded.

Members of the parliamentary committees of agriculture and food of European and Central Asian countries participate in the summit. The event was organized on the premises of the Assembly of Albania.