The Thirty-third Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Europe (ERC) is open to all FAO Members in the Europe and Central Asia region. It also is open to representatives of United Nations bodies and specialized agencies and selected observers from intergovernmental and international non-governmental sectors, research/academia, the private sector and entities representing the civil society.

Building on the outcomes of the United Nations Food Systems Summit in 2021, the new FAO Strategic Framework, which strives for better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life, will facilitate future achievements under the umbrella of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Debate at the ministerial round table will identify and discuss priority issues in the Europe and Central Asia region for gaining the optimal balance among agrifood systems, the environment and the use of natural resources. Discussion will cover the promotion of healthy diets – giving the focus and voice to consumers – and emphasize how the principle of Leaving No One Behind can be considered in all agriculture and rural development efforts. Furthermore, specific focus will be given to nutrition-sensitive value chain development and the role that responsible investment in agriculture and food systems may play in delivering affordable, healthy diets for all.

Building on the UNFSS results and their significance for the Europe and Central Asia region, Members will be invited to illustrate their priorities and ongoing actions to transform agrifood systems.

An important item on the agenda will be the results of work in the region in 2020–2021 and a discussion of priorities for further work for the period 2022–2025, reflecting on the implications of COVID-19 and the new FAO Strategic Framework.

Additionally, the preparation of the global FAO Science and Innovation Strategy and the FAO Strategy on Climate Change will be presented to the Regional Conference.