(Track 3: Promoting Nutrition and Healthy Diets)
The session will introduce the Agrifood Systems Accelerator, outlining its operational model and demonstrating how national agrifood priorities can be translated into bankable actions through country examples and investment pathways. It will also highlight opportunities for DFI alignment and private‑sector engagement across Asia–Pacific while identifying next steps for Accelerator engagement and pipeline development for 2026–2027.
Introduction to Speakers
Tomoko Kato, Senior Food and Nutrition Specialist, SD2-AFNR, ADB
Opening Remarks
Framing Asia and the Pacific’s transformation opportunity and the investment gap
Shantanu Mitra, Alternate Executive Director, ADB
Presentation: What is the Agrifood Systems Transformation Accelerator?
- Máximo Torero Cullen, Chief Economist, FAO
- Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
Panel: From policy to investment – lessons from the region
Moderator: Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
Panel: From policy to investment – lessons from the region
Country panel
- Cambodia
H.E. Sok Silo, Council for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD), Cambodia - Indonesia
Jarot Indarto, Director of Food and Agriculture, Bappenas - Philippines
Maria Julia Gubat, PhD Senior Science Researcher, DOST-FNRI - Solomon Island
Michael Tapaholoiesi Hoóta, Deputy Secretary Technical, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
Partner panel
- Pacific Community
Florence Rahiria, Deputy Director, SPC - IFAD
Candra Samekto, Country Director (IFAD) - Government of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Foods Office
Martin Sullivan, Trade Commissioner, Government of Canada
Interactive discussion: Audience input on opportunities and barriers
Moderator: Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
Closing reflections and next steps
Máximo Torero Cullen, Chief Economist, FAO
