Laura Suazo highlighted the importance of addressing issues such as fair trade and the inclusion of rural women and youth during the meeting of ministers of agriculture due to be held in Costa Rica in October.
Tegucigalpa, September 29, 2023 – IICA. In a call to her colleagues to take part in the Conference of Ministers of Agriculture of the Americas 2023, which begins on October 3, the Secretary of Agriculture and Livestock of Honduras, Laura Suazo, urged sector authorities to form partnerships with a variety of public and private stakeholders to position agriculture as a driver of sustainable development in the countries of the region.
Suazo explained that during the meeting, due to take place from October 3 to 5 in San José, Costa Rica, at the Headquarters of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the ministers will consider working dynamics aimed at strengthening agriculture in the region. The key would be integrated work through partnerships, strategic programs, and the management of projects and joint initiatives.
“Let’s give top priority to partnerships with the private sector and with non-governmental organizations, civil society, institutes, and international cooperation agencies, which play an extremely important role in the development of the agriculture sector,” Suazo remarked.
The event will also consider a proposal for a hemispheric partnership, presented by IICA, aimed at supporting food security and promoting sustainable development in the region.
Suazo emphasized the importance of this meeting as a space for dialogue and collaboration among decisionmakers responsible for matters such as state policies, regulations and projects with a direct impact on the agrifood sector.
“I see it as a valuable opportunity for us to interact, share knowledge and concerns, and promote initiatives designed to speed up our development and help us tackle the food and environmental challenges facing the Americas,” Suazo commented.
“It’s vital we don’t try to tackle these challenges alone, but rather work together to find effective solutions and learn from countries that develop successful practices. We should collaborate closely with the different stakeholders involved to achieve a significant impact on the agrifood sector,” the Honduran minister added.
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