Pakistan, home to 215 million people, engages at 38th FAO session to strengthen food systems

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Apr, 2026) Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, held a meeting with the Chairperson of the Committee on World Food Security during the 38th session of the FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific on April 24 in Brunei.

The talks focused on improving food access, addressing malnutrition, and shaping policies for a population of over 215 million, said a press release.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of a ministerial gathering held at Empire Brunei. It came at a time when countries in Asia and the Pacific are dealing with food supply issues, rising environmental pressure, and gaps in nutrition. Both sides discussed ways to expand cooperation and improve national and global responses to these challenges.

Pakistan, as an active member of the Committee on World Food Security, has been using the committee’s policy guidance to shape its national food strategies. Officials said the country is working on measures to ensure food access for its population while dealing with changes in climate, population growth, and economic conditions.

During the meeting, both sides stressed the need to improve the use of global policy guidance at the national level. They agreed that stronger coordination among governments, institutions, and other stakeholders is needed to address food security issues in a structured way.

Professor Anas A. Al-Nabulsi, who chairs the committee, said progress depends on joint efforts and better coordination across sectors. He noted that countries need support through finance, data, and research to improve decision-making. He added that the committee brings together different groups to work on shared goals and develop policy guidance that countries can adapt according to their needs.

The discussion also focused on ongoing work related to building food systems that can respond to shocks such as climate change and economic disruptions. Pakistan was invited to take part in negotiations on new policy recommendations being developed under the committee.

Both sides also highlighted the role of research, innovation, and technology in improving food production and distribution.

They pointed to the need for universities and research institutions to support solutions such as precision farming and digital tools that can help increase output and manage resources.

The meeting included a review of upcoming activities of the Committee on World Food Security. These include a high-level forum on artificial intelligence, digital systems, and data use in food systems, as well as continued policy work on strengthening food systems.

Officials from both sides said that global policy discussions must lead to action at the country level. They agreed to continue working together to ensure that policy recommendations are translated into practical steps that improve food access and nutrition outcomes.

The Committee on World Food Security is an international platform that brings together governments, UN agencies, civil society groups, research bodies, and private sector representatives. It works to address the causes of hunger and malnutrition and supports countries in improving food systems. The committee also promotes the right to food through policy guidance based on research and data.

Professor Anas A. Al-Nabulsi currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the Jordan University of Science and Technology. He has a background in food safety and microbiology, with academic training from the University of Manitoba. His work over more than three decades includes research, policy development, and public health initiatives.

He has contributed to national programs on food systems, nutrition, and water use, and has worked with institutions such as the World Food Programme on projects related to agriculture and food access. He has also served in advisory roles with regulatory bodies in Jordan and has published over 145 research articles in his field.

The meeting in Brunei marked another step in Pakistan’s engagement with global platforms working on food security. Officials said continued cooperation with international partners will support the country’s efforts to manage food supply challenges and improve nutrition for its population.