Sri Lanka will host the 37th session of the Asia Pacific Regional Conference (APRC) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) from February 19th to 22nd, 2024, in Colombo. FAO, a key UN agency dedicated to eradicating hunger and enhancing food security and nutrition worldwide, will convene ministers of agriculture and high officials from 46 member countries across the Asia Pacific region to discuss pressing challenges and priorities in the realm of food and agriculture, with a focus on promoting regional coherence.

FAO has been actively involved in Sri Lanka for over four decades, supporting the country in implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and enhancing the resilience of its fisheries sector to climate change. Vimlendra Sharan underscored the APRC conference's role in showcasing innovative approaches developed in partnership with the Sri Lankan government.

By hosting the 37th APRC, Sri Lanka highlights its commitment to sustainable agricultural development, both domestically and regionally, positioning itself as a key partner in fostering agricultural sustainability. Additionally, the conference agenda will feature a forum on agritourism, responding to Sri Lanka's request, offering an opportunity to highlight the nation's potential as an agritourism destination and boost its agritourism sector, thereby contributing to valuable foreign exchange earnings.

The 37th APRC presents an invaluable opportunity for Sri Lanka and the Asia Pacific region to collaborate in nurturing a prosperous and sustainable agricultural sector, furthering the shared goal of achieving food security and nutrition for all.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe is expected to preside over the inaugural session on 20 February. The agenda includes a special forum on agritourism, showcasing Sri Lanka's potential as a destination.

A delegation from the FAO Regional Office has been overseeing the conference's organisation since late January.