More than 150 delegates, including policymakers, managers, scientists, and researchers from various countries, as well as representatives from embassies, international organizations, research institutes, financial institutions, and the private sector, are attending the conference. Participants will discuss solutions to promote sustainable livestock development in the context of increasing demand for safe and nutritious animal-source foods, alongside the need to expand production and improve farmers’ livelihoods, while the livestock sector faces growing pressures from climate change, disease outbreaks, environmental degradation, and rising consumer expectations for safe and sustainable food.
The conference holds significant importance for the Asia–Pacific region, which accounts for nearly 60% of the world’s population and approximately 44% of the global livestock population. Demand for animal-source foods in the region continues to rise rapidly due to population growth, urbanization, and increasing incomes.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien emphasized the importance of collective action among countries. He stated: “Sustainable livestock transformation is not only a requirement for individual nations but a shared global responsibility to ensure food and nutrition security and sustainable development. Therefore, deeper international cooperation among countries, international organizations, and stakeholders is essential to promote innovation, technology transfer, and capacity building for the livestock sector in the region.”
In Asia, the livestock sector supports the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of smallholder farmers, pastoral communities, and value chain actors, while contributing between 18–30% of agricultural GDP in many countries. However, the sector also faces increasing risks. The region accounts for a significant share of global livestock-related greenhouse gas emissions, while the spread of transboundary animal diseases and zoonotic diseases continues to pose challenges to both livestock production and public health.
According to FAO, one in four people in Asia still faces moderate or severe food insecurity, and many households cannot afford diets that include sufficient animal-source foods rich in protein and micronutrients.
In a message to the conference, Mr. Alue Dohong, Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, emphasized the need to transform livestock systems to contribute to healthier and more sustainable food systems.
“Livestock systems play a critical role in ensuring access to affordable and nutritious diets in Asia and the Pacific. Transforming the sector is essential to strengthen food security while protecting the environment and public health,” he stated.
Researchers indicate that the necessary solutions already exist. Climate-smart livestock practices, improved veterinary and animal health management systems, more efficient feed management, and stricter food safety standards can significantly reduce environmental impacts while enhancing productivity.
However, scaling up these solutions remains a major challenge, often due to fragmented policies, limited coordination among countries, and gaps between scientific research, investment, and practical implementation.
Ms. Siboniso Moyo, Deputy Director General of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), stated that one of the conference’s objectives is to bridge these gaps.
“Science and innovation are key to transforming livestock systems. Research on animal health, climate-adaptive livestock systems, and the One Health approach can help countries improve productivity while better managing disease risks and environmental pressures,” she said.
Delegates will discuss key priority issues, including food security and nutrition, rural livelihoods, animal health and the One Health approach, as well as climate-smart livestock systems.
The conference also provides a platform for countries and partners to share experiences, identify successful models, and strengthen regional cooperation.
Mr. François Roger, CIRAD Regional Director for Southeast Asia, emphasized the importance of scientific cooperation in supporting countries to address complex challenges.
“For millions of farmers in the region, livestock is a pillar of livelihoods. Research partnerships help develop solutions tailored to diverse farming systems, while ensuring that livestock transformation contributes to inclusive and sustainable development,” he said.
At the conclusion of the conference, delegates are expected to develop recommendations for a regional roadmap toward sustainable livestock transformation, including priorities for research, policy, and investment.
These recommendations are expected to guide future regional cooperation efforts and contribute to global initiatives aimed at transforming livestock systems within the broader transformation of food systems.
Contact:
Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam
Department of International Cooperation
Email: [email protected]
International Livestock Research Institute
Email: [email protected]
Food and Agriculture Organization
FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
Email: [email protected]