ASEAN-CGIAR presents strategic program at the 46th AMAF PrepSOM

On October 22, 2024, ASEAN-CGIAR presented the progress and future direction of its Innovate for Food and Nutrition Security Regional Program at the Preparatory Senior Officials Meeting (PrepSOM) of the 46th ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF). Hosted virtually by Myanmar, the session focused on efforts to strengthen agri-food systems, enhance resilience to climate change, deliver better livelihoods, improve health and nutrition, and promote sustainable regional trade.

Dr. Jongsoo Shin, Program Director of ASEAN-CGIAR and Asia Director at IRRI, led the presentation alongside Dr. Stephan Weise, Co-Director and Asia Managing Director of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, and Melinda Limlengco, Senior Manager for Strategic Partnerships at IRRI. The presentation highlighted key achievements and lessons learned which emphasized the importance of tailoring interventions to local contexts and the need to align the program with global priorities to attract new investments.

Dr. Kyaw Swe Linn, Director General of the Department of Planning, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation of Myanmar, expressed strong support for the program, stating: “This program had a strong participatory approach and consensus on recipients from beneficiary countries. I believe CGIAR plays a key role in enhancing food and nutrition security in the ASEAN region through the eight intervention packages.”

The ASEAN-CGIAR initiative demonstrates how effective partnerships between CGIAR centers, AMS, and regional bodies can start driving transformative changes. Achievements to date across the ASEAN countries were highlighted for each of the 8 Intervention Packages, which included engaging at the production system and value chain level, developing appropriate databases and frameworks, sharing of tools and methods, initiating consultations on supportive policies and sustainable financing. The initiative’s focus on collaboration, adaptation to local contexts, and strategic engagement with partners, including ADB and SEARCA, positions it as a catalyst for regional progress.

Moving forward, ASEAN-CGIAR is committed to deepening partnerships, aligning with regional priorities, and scaling successful initiatives to drive long-term sustainability. This collaborative approach will be key to building resilient, climate-smart, nutrition sensitive, and inclusive agri-food systems for Southeast Asia.