As part of the Dushanbe International Investment Forum, a side-event conference under the theme “Improve Nutrition by Leveraging Investments for Nutrition-Sensitive Food System Interventions in Tajikistan” took place in Dushanbe on 13 October 2025. The event focused on nutrition-sensitive food system interventions, sustainable agriculture, and green investment.
Organized by the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), UN World Food Programme (WFP), and World Health Organization (WHO), the event was held in coordination with the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Tajikistan and in collaboration with the Committee of Food Security under the Government of Tajikistan and national partners. This event marked a pivotal step in Tajikistan’s journey toward transforming agri-food systems, combating malnutrition, and unlocking the country’s green growth potential. The event also served to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the UN and the FAO, reaffirming their shared legacy in promoting global food security and sustainable development.
The conference aimed to foster dialogue among key stakeholders from the Government, donors, private sector, CSOs and media to accelerate both public and private investment in nutrition, food security, sustainable agriculture, and green, climate-resilient rural development. It spotlighted Tajikistan’s agricultural strengths and investment-ready opportunities aligned with national development goals, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and international green investment standards.
"By leveraging both international support and national commitment, we are not only addressing the immediate challenges of malnutrition and food insecurity, but also laying the foundation for a sustainable, climate-resilient, and inclusive agricultural sector. Nutrition is considered not only as a public health priority but as a catalyst for economic growth. We welcome strategic partnerships to achieve Zero Hunger and a healthier future for all," said Mr Mahmud Shirinjonzoda, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Food Security under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.
The conference also promoted innovation in climate-resilient agri-food systems and advocated for the development of inclusive value chains that support smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth. Central to the discussions was a shared commitment to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
“The UN system stands ready to support the Government in building national capacities and catalyzing public and private investment for a nutrition-sensitive, inclusive, and climate-resilient food system,” mentioned Ms. Parvathy Ramaswami, UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan.
Throughout the event, participants were engaged in expert-led discussions on strategic investment areas, successful models in climate-smart agriculture, and the economic case for scaling nutrition interventions. Presentations included findings from the Investing in Nutrition Study, insights into fortification processes, climate resilience in Central Asia as well as discussed strategic investment areas and successful models applied by private sector in Tajikistan.
The conference concluded with a summary of key messages and calls to action, followed by networking opportunities for stakeholders to establish partnerships and explore collaboration.
The joint programme “Transforming food systems for better nutrition”, financed by the Joint SDG Fund, a United Nations mechanism designed to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is implemented by FAO, UNICEF, WHO and WFP in Tajikistan in partnership with the Committee for Food Security under the Government of Republic of Tajikistan.
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
