Palestine at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization Regional Conference in Rome: A call to strengthen agricultural resilience and expand international partnerships

Rome: April 22, 2026

The Minister of Agriculture called on international institutions to assume their responsibilities towards the Palestinian agricultural sector by supporting the resilience of farmers and expanding the base of international partnerships. This came during Minister Slimiyah's meeting with the Director-General of the FAO, Dr. Qu Dongyu, and with the FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, Dr. Abdelhakim Elwaer.

These meetings took place on the sidelines of Minister Slimiyah's participation in the 38th session of the FAO Regional Conference for the Near East, held on April 20, 2026, at the FAO headquarters in Rome, under the theme "Transforming Agricultural and Food Systems."

The conference reviewed the progress made in implementing the organization's programs and activities in the region, including Palestine, during the period 2024–2025. It also discussed priorities for the coming period, focusing on strengthening resilient and climate-responsive agricultural and food systems, addressing the challenges of desertification and drought, improving supply chains, enhancing financing mechanisms, and building resilience.

Participants emphasized the importance of intensifying support at both the regional and national levels and strengthening effective partnerships to advance sustainable agricultural and food systems. This contributes to enhancing food security and aligns with the organization's strategic framework and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In his remarks, Minister Slaimiya reviewed the situation of the Palestinian agricultural sector, highlighting the increasing challenges and pressures it faces due to ongoing destruction and attacks. He stressed that supporting Palestinian agriculture directly supports the resilience of farmers, protects livelihoods, and strengthens national food security.

Slaimiya called on the international community to strengthen solidarity and continue its support, stressing the need to design flexible, smart, and locally-responsive international interventions that effectively address needs on the ground. He also called for the establishment and activation of an emergency response fund to support the agricultural sector immediately upon damage to productive assets, thereby minimizing losses and ensuring the continuity of production.

He further urged donors to direct support towards projects that combine protection, relief, and development, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), strengthening household economies, and empowering rural women and youth, recognizing them as essential pillars for achieving sustainable agricultural development.

Minister Slaimiya commended the vital role played by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as a strategic partner of the Ministry of Agriculture, through the implementation of numerous important development programs and projects in Palestine. He also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Embassy of the State of Palestine in the Italian Republic, represented by Her Excellency Ambassador Mona Abu Amara and the embassy staff, for their role in coordinating, organizing, and actively participating in the conference.