In response to the distinct challenges and vulnerabilities facing Pacific Island countries, a significant gathering has commenced to address agrifood systems transformation amid a growing climate crisis. Hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Government of Fiji, the SIDS (Small Island Developing States) Solutions Forum 2024 is taking place from November 5 to 8. The purpose of this high-level platform is to exchange innovative strategies and explore the scalability of solutions that aim to rethink food production, distribution, and consumption throughout the Pacific region.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized the particular susceptibility of SIDS to issues such as food insecurity, malnutrition, climate-related impacts, economic shocks, and demographic pressures. In his opening speech, QU stated, “In spite of their vulnerabilities, SIDS harbor a wealth of knowledge and often take the lead on the international stage, drawing attention to pressing global issues.” His remarks highlighted the resilience and contributions of these island nations, whose experiences offer valuable insights to the broader global community.
The Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, expressed a similar sentiment in his welcoming address. “Our stories, as those of old, of resilience and innovation that emerge from our communities are powerful examples of what has been possible in the face of difficulties and challenges,” he remarked, adding that these stories provide inspiration to continue striving for a sustainable future.
The Vision of Agrifood Transformation in the Pacific
With the theme “Transforming Agrifood Systems for our Blue Pacific Continent through Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life,” the forum has brought together hundreds of stakeholders, including policymakers, agri-entrepreneurs, investors, community leaders, international donors, and representatives from the private sector. Ministers from Pacific countries, including the Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Tuvalu, are participating, along with several ministers from non-Pacific nations.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu and Fiji’s Minister of Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu, facilitated a town hall-style session that enabled diverse stakeholders to engage in dialogue. Participants included civil society representatives, regional organizations, and global development partners. This session is a precursor to the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between FAO and other organizations, aiming to formalize commitments to collaborative action.
Throughout the week, discussions will focus on initiatives guided by FAO’s “Four Betters” principles, emphasizing Better Nutrition, Better Production, a Better Environment, and a Better Life, with a core objective of ensuring inclusivity. Additional topics include agroforestry, the FAO Digital Village Initiative, and the “Hand-in-Hand” initiative, which seeks to accelerate agrifood systems transformation by connecting beneficiary countries with potential financial backers. Thirteen SIDS have joined the Hand-in-Hand initiative, including several in the Pacific region, which is using the approach to bolster crop production of high-value and staple goods.
Focus on local products and community solutions.
A core component of the forum is the “One Country, One Priority Product” (OCOP) program, an initiative enabling countries to identify and cultivate agricultural products with deep ties to local geography, climate, and culture. In the Pacific, notable examples include the promotion of turmeric in Fiji, cassava in the Solomon Islands, and cocoa in Samoa. By developing products that are well-suited to each island’s environment, these initiatives not only enhance local economies but also fortify food security.
Rising Challenges and Collective Solutions
While the Pacific Islands are rich in biodiversity and natural resources, they face escalating threats from climate change, natural disasters, and increasing rates of non-communicable diseases. Additionally, the region confronts the challenges of ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food for its population. As a response, the SIDS Solutions Forum’s outcomes will be integral to guiding strategies for sustainable development. These include aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS, which aim to foster resilience and sustainability.
Held biennially, the SIDS Solutions Forum provides a crucial platform for collaboration, enabling Pacific Island nations to present effective solutions that tackle shared challenges and foster regional unity. Previous forums, held in Fiji and Samoa in 2021 and 2022, highlighted the importance of knowledge-sharing and demonstrated the scalability of promising strategies. This year’s event builds on these foundations, advancing a shared vision for the “Blue Pacific Continent”—a peaceful and resilient Pacific region committed to social inclusion, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity.
Launched during the 2021 forum, the SIDS Solutions Platform has continued to facilitate knowledge exchange, accelerating progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. As the 2024 forum unfolds, Pacific Island countries remain focused on collective resilience, emphasizing that local innovations and global partnerships are central to sustainable agrifood systems transformation in the face of a rapidly changing world.