18-19 November 2022: The 2022 ‘Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and Development on Agricultural Modernization’ was convened today in Jiangsu University, Jiangsu Province, China. The event was co-organized via hybrid modality by Jiangsu University and other partners.

Photo credit: Jiangsu University

On behalf of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and its Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (CSAM), Mr. Adnan Aliani, Director of ESCAP’s Strategy and Programme Management Division, delivered the opening remarks virtually at the opening ceremony of the Forum.  Mr. Aliani pointed out that innovation-driven approaches with integrated methodologies in the agricultural sector as well as other spheres can provide creative solutions for synergizing, optimizing and maximizing investments to improve productivity, enhance food security and boost sustainable development. He emphasized the important role of innovative mechanization-based technologies and practices including digital or artificial intelligence-driven solutions in helping adapt to emerging crises, building resilience and transforming agricultural and food systems in the backdrop of multiple challenges the world is facing today. He urged that reinforced efforts must be undertaken to take collective actions with enabling solutions for achieving the vision embodied in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Furthermore, in his speech, Mr. Aliani noted the successful collaboration between ESCAP (through CSAM) and Jiangsu University under the Memorandum of Agreement signed in 2021 which accords high priority for joint research, knowledge sharing as well as technology innovation initiatives.

Photo credit: Jiangsu University

Mr. Anshuman Varma, Deputy Head of CSAM, also attended the Forum online and delivered a keynote speech at the Seminar session of the Forum. He highlighted the urgent need for adopting new concepts of green development in order to advocate for green, low-carbon, circular, and sustainable production modes, and emphasized the significant role of the agricultural sector including mechanization-based interventions in addressing these needs and delivering on combating food insecurity, reducing poverty and enabling recovery from the pandemic. He called for strengthened partnerships to catalyze transformative change in the agricultural sector and food systems with both mitigation and adaptation efforts to support a sustainable trajectory towards healthier and greener growth. Mr. Anshuman Varma also congratulated the sponsors for the newly-established Global Education and Training Centre for Agricultural Modernization and Food Safety in Jiangsu University.  

In 2021, ESCAP (through CSAM) established a strategic partnership with Jiangsu University with the objective to promote sustainable agricultural mechanization and rural development in the Asia-Pacific region. Over the past year, both sides have collaborated successfully by leveraging resources and synergies to support various activities and events.