(Bandar Seri Begawan, 18th)—The Brunei Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism announced in a press release that it will host the 38th session of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC) for the first time.
This grand event will bring together ministers, the FAO Director-General, and senior officials from 44 FAO member countries to jointly discuss food security-related topics and strengthen regional cooperation in the agri-food sector.
This marks the first time Brunei is hosting the conference, and it is of great significance as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the founding of FAO. The conference provides Brunei with a strategic opportunity to showcase its rich traditions, local products, and achievements in agricultural development, while also strengthening partnerships and advancing food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development cooperation at both the Asia-Pacific regional and global levels.
The conference is held biennially. This session will feature the Senior Officers’ Meeting from April 20 to 22, 2026, followed by the Ministerial Meeting from April 23 to 24. In addition to the official agenda, there will be gala dinners and technical study tours, enabling delegates to experience Brunei’s developmental achievements and cultural heritage firsthand.
As part of the conference, the “Asia-Pacific Food Forum” will be held on April 22, providing delegates with a platform to discuss issues such as food security, innovation in agri-food, and opportunities for regional cooperation.
The statement pointed out that, against the backdrop of climate change, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical conflict threatening the stability of food supply chains, the timing of this conference is especially appropriate. It emphasizes the need for member countries to strengthen cooperation, enhance the resilience of agri-food systems, improve productivity, and ensure sustainable and inclusive development of the food supply.
As the host country, Brunei will also leverage this platform to showcase its cultural heritage, local cuisine, and achievements in agricultural and agro-processing industries, demonstrating its determination to strengthen strategic partnerships with FAO member countries.
The main objectives of the conference include reviewing key issues in food and agriculture, fostering regional solidarity, and providing strategic guidance for FAO’s work at regional and global levels. The meeting also serves as an important platform for experience sharing and action coordination in response to challenges such as food security, sustainable agriculture, rural development, and climate change.
The outcomes are expected to have far-reaching impacts on FAO’s future priorities in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
The authorities noted that hosting this conference aligns with His Majesty’s government’s goal of transforming the agri-food sector as set out in the “Brunei Vision 2035,” and is expected to yield tangible results such as technology transfer, productivity improvements, and enhanced technical cooperation, thereby supporting the development of Brunei’s agriculture and fisheries.
This marks the first time Brunei is hosting the conference, and it is of great significance as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the founding of FAO. The conference provides Brunei with a strategic opportunity to showcase its rich traditions, local products, and achievements in agricultural development, while also strengthening partnerships and advancing food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development cooperation at both the Asia-Pacific regional and global levels.
The conference is held biennially. This session will feature the Senior Officers’ Meeting from April 20 to 22, 2026, followed by the Ministerial Meeting from April 23 to 24. In addition to the official agenda, there will be gala dinners and technical study tours, enabling delegates to experience Brunei’s developmental achievements and cultural heritage firsthand.
As part of the conference, the “Asia-Pacific Food Forum” will be held on April 22, providing delegates with a platform to discuss issues such as food security, innovation in agri-food, and opportunities for regional cooperation.
The statement pointed out that, against the backdrop of climate change, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical conflict threatening the stability of food supply chains, the timing of this conference is especially appropriate. It emphasizes the need for member countries to strengthen cooperation, enhance the resilience of agri-food systems, improve productivity, and ensure sustainable and inclusive development of the food supply.
As the host country, Brunei will also leverage this platform to showcase its cultural heritage, local cuisine, and achievements in agricultural and agro-processing industries, demonstrating its determination to strengthen strategic partnerships with FAO member countries.
The main objectives of the conference include reviewing key issues in food and agriculture, fostering regional solidarity, and providing strategic guidance for FAO’s work at regional and global levels. The meeting also serves as an important platform for experience sharing and action coordination in response to challenges such as food security, sustainable agriculture, rural development, and climate change.
The outcomes are expected to have far-reaching impacts on FAO’s future priorities in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
The authorities noted that hosting this conference aligns with His Majesty’s government’s goal of transforming the agri-food sector as set out in the “Brunei Vision 2035,” and is expected to yield tangible results such as technology transfer, productivity improvements, and enhanced technical cooperation, thereby supporting the development of Brunei’s agriculture and fisheries.