ROME, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- After a week's discussion on the transformation of global food systems, the third edition of the World Food Forum (WFF) wrapped up here on Friday at the headquarters of the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The forum's flagship events include the WFF Global Youth Forum, the FAO Science and Innovation Forum and the FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum. These events, which kicked off on Monday with the 78th World Food Day commemoration at the FAO offices, brought together 5,000 people from around the world, along with more than 20,000 online participants.
Qu Dongyu, FAO's director-general, praised the discussions about agrifood systems transformation and emphasized the importance of following through on the proposals discussed. "We need to continue to work to apply and harness science and innovation to transform agriculture and food systems," he said.
Also discussed this week was the role of artificial intelligence and other digital tools in helping to make rural farms in poor countries more resilient.
"Artificial intelligence should be a tool for agricultural and food system transformation and rural development," Qu said at a side event focusing on the topic on Thursday.
At the Science and Innovation Forum, speakers stressed the role that smart use of technology can have in integrated soil and water management, climate change and sustainability.
Rosa Poch, chair of the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils, stressed the need to increase public awareness of challenges, adopt sustainable practices, monitor soil quality, and use plants that are adapted to changing ecosystems.
Meanwhile, Federico Truco, chief executive officer of Bioceres Crop Solutions, told participants that integrating technology and business innovations can play a major role in the preservation of ecosystems.
"We need to develop and strengthen integrated information systems to address pressing multisectoral challenges, which should be available to everyone, especially to farmers who are the custodians of our natural resources," Qu added. Enditem
