FAO News - 30 August 2021, Rome/Suva - The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, today called on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to foster the power of innovation and digitalization to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No poverty), SDG 2 (No hunger) and SDG 10 (Reduced inequalities).

Qu spoke at the opening of the two-day virtual SIDS Solutions Forum (30-31 August), co-hosted by FAO and the Government of Fiji. Heads of State and Government from nine Pacific Island countries attended or were represented at the high-level event, as well as government ministers holding key portfolios related to agriculture, food, nutrition, environment, health, and information and communications technology. African and Caribbean nations were also represented.

FAO is committed to building a world free from hunger and malnutrition, "where no one is left behind regardless of land size, population and geographic location," Qu said in an address to the opening session. Today's meeting is an "example of how innovation and digitalization bring opportunities in the face of challenges."

 "Advances in digital innovation have seen the vast oceans that separate us give way to vast possibilities. Alone, we are small islands. Together, we are one connected continent bound by a spirit of innovative resilience," said Josaia V. Bainimarama, Prime Minister of Fiji. "Our 39 states, from the South Pacific, to the Caribbean, to the Indian Ocean, are home to incredible minds, cutting edge innovation and deep traditional knowledge." 

The President of the UN General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Maldives, delivered the Forum's keynote speech, noting it was the first of its kind and was taking place during challenging times.

"The SIDS Solutions Forum is unique. In the midst of a global pandemic, the virtual nature of the conference benefits SIDS across the globe that have been badly affected by geographical isolation, travel restrictions and border lockdowns," said Shahid. "The innovations, solutions and ideas to be shared at this forum should help SIDS to leapfrog through expanded digitalization and innovations to accelerate the achievement of the agriculture, food and nutrition related SDGs."  

See more: http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/1436827/icode/