This session will present ASEAN’s strategy for transforming food systems and guide support from ADB and development partners. It will highlight evidence, country experiences, and investment pathways that turn regional commitments into scalable action. The discussion will focus on aligning priorities, mobilizing finance, and strengthening cross‑sector collaboration for resilient and nutrition‑sensitive agrifood systems.
Welcome remarks
Winfried Wicklein, Director General, Sectors Department 2, ADB
Setting the scene: Agriculture, water, and natural capital strategies
Maximo Torero, FAO Chief Economist
Keynote
Jerome Oliveros, Undersecretary, Department of Agriculture, Republic of the Philippines
Panel discussion: Opportunities in transforming food system under the ASEAN Vision for Food, Agriculture and Forestry Towards 2045:
The moderator will ask each panelist to take part of the story, then moderator to go back across panelists. There will be 2 rounds with distinct questions, under which some panelists can ask questions to other panelists. The audience will have the opportunity to ask questions and to react.
Panelists:
- Boundeth Southavilay, Director General Department of Planning and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Lao PDR
- Martinho Laurentino Soares, Director General Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Timor Leste
- William Dar, President, InangLupa Movement Inc.
- Mercedita Sombilla, Center Director, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture
- Jesse Teo, Chief Financial Officer, Monde Nissin
Moderator: Dulce Carandang, FAO Philippines
