The Strait of Hormuz crisis is disrupting global energy and fertilizer markets, posing severe risks for millions living in extreme poverty. Ben Davis and Marco Knowles from FAO advocate for social

The Strait of Hormuz crisis is disrupting global energy and fertilizer markets, posing severe risks for millions living in extreme poverty. Ben Davis and Marco Knowles from FAO advocate for social protection as a more effective response than costly government subsidies.

They challenge the notion that cash transfers are mere handouts, presenting rigorous evidence that rural households productively invest them in agriculture, education, and local economies. Targeted social assistance, they argue, outperforms subsidies in both efficiency and reach. For further details, consult the policy brief: The role of social protection in addressing the impacts of the 2026 conflict in the Middle East, and the full transcript: Transcript.

A recent webinar gathered banana value chain experts to discuss the critical role of genetic diversity beyond Cavendish. Varietal diversification builds resilient, sustainable production and

A recent webinar gathered banana value chain experts to discuss the critical role of genetic diversity beyond Cavendish. Varietal diversification builds resilient, sustainable production and market systems, reducing vulnerability to pests, diseases, climate, and market shocks. Non-Cavendish varieties offer significant agronomic, nutritional, and cultural value, enhancing food security and biodiversity.

The event highlighted barriers like Cavendish-based market standards and insufficient incentives. It underscored the need for coordinated efforts, improved market recognition, and shared learning to promote banana diversification and ensure the global sector's long-term resilience. Organizers included Victor Prada, Matheus Lima, and Adriele Benedetto. More information: FAO TR4GN and World Banana Forum.

An expert panel recently highlighted academia's vital role in fostering agrifood digitalization. Discussions focused on initiatives such as the South East Asia Innovation Alliance, the University

An expert panel recently highlighted academia's vital role in fostering agrifood digitalization. Discussions focused on initiatives such as the South East Asia Innovation Alliance, the University of Sydney's farmhand program in the Mekong region, the Saudi Alliance for Agriculture Technologies, and university-led digitalization efforts in the Republic of Korea and the ASEAN Universities Network.

Explore the FAO Digital Villages Initiative for more details. Connect with FAO by subscribing to their YouTube channel and following them on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and Weibo.

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New video from a remote camera in southern Arizona's Sky Islands captured a rare jaguar, "Cinco," moving through the area in March and April, alongside bears and mountain lions. First filmed in

New video from a remote camera in southern Arizona's Sky Islands captured a rare jaguar, "Cinco," moving through the area in March and April, alongside bears and mountain lions. First filmed in 2025, this sighting underscores the jaguar's rightful place, despite threats like border wall construction, mining, and drought. Jaguars, the world's third-largest cats, once ranged extensively across the U.S. Southwest.

The Center for Biological Diversity, a Tucson-based nonprofit, works to protect endangered species and their habitats through science, law, and creative media. Their mission is to secure a future for all species and preserve a wild world. Learn more at their website or connect on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok.

Intensifying pest pressures, exacerbated by climate change and resistance to conventional controls, were the focus of a recent E-dialogue. It explored how host plant resistance, precision

Intensifying pest pressures, exacerbated by climate change and resistance to conventional controls, were the focus of a recent E-dialogue. It explored how host plant resistance, precision breeding, and integrated genetic and digital solutions can deliver scalable impact, accelerate farmer adoption, supported by effective policy frameworks.

The dialogue featured a keynote by Professor Sophien Kamoun and an expert panel from academia and technology. For more, visit the Agrifood Sustainability and Innovation E-dialogue series.

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The 38th Session (NERC 38) will review 2024–2025 results and set priorities for the next biennium. Focusing on resilient and climate-smart agrifood systems, desertification, drought, supply

The 38th Session (NERC 38) will review 2024–2025 results and set priorities for the next biennium. Focusing on resilient and climate-smart agrifood systems, desertification, drought, supply chains, bioeconomy, and financing, it aims to provide regional guidance and strengthen partnerships. The goal is to advance sustainable agrifood systems and food security, aligning with FAO’s Strategic Framework and the 2030 Agenda.

Subscribe to FAO on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=FAOoftheUN. Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and Weibo. © FAO: http://www.fao.org #SDGs #Agenda2030 #GlobalGoals

Hear from Lys Esther Karikumutima, ITU Generation Connect Youth Envoy and Executive Director of the East African Impact Hub.

She will answer the question: "What do you hope people take away

Hear from Lys Esther Karikumutima, ITU Generation Connect Youth Envoy and Executive Director of the East African Impact Hub.

She will answer the question: "What do you hope people take away from your story?"

Digital transformation is primarily driven by industry, with private companies leading innovation and technology adoption. This creates a high demand for a digitally skilled workforce across all

Digital transformation is primarily driven by industry, with private companies leading innovation and technology adoption. This creates a high demand for a digitally skilled workforce across all economic sectors.

This session will feature industry representatives discussing essential skills for fostering digital transformation, identifying growth sectors, and sharing how companies adapt through effective skilling and talent acquisition. These insights will help policymakers and training institutions align digital skills programs with market needs. The panel includes: Moderator Fahd Batayneh (ICANN), and Panelists Sonya Janahi (Chamber of Commerce), Naria Santa Lucia (Microsoft Philanthropies), Ahmed Riad Rashad (Huawei), and Wissam Kadi (SAP).

On September 18, 2024, two sessions will explore the critical impact of digital transformation on jobs and skills. The first, "Digital skills for jobs," will address global challenges and

On September 18, 2024, two sessions will explore the critical impact of digital transformation on jobs and skills. The first, "Digital skills for jobs," will address global challenges and opportunities, focusing on strategies to enhance workforce skills for diverse demographics. Experts from the International Labour Organization (ILO), Stanford, and other organizations will discuss best practices for digital skills development.

The second session, "Industry perspective on skills needs," will feature leaders from companies like Microsoft, Huawei, and SAP. They will discuss core skills for digital transformation, identify growth sectors, and share how companies adapt through skilling programs and talent acquisition. This aims to inform policymakers and training institutions on market demands.

After years studying marine microplastics, Abby Barrows founded Deer Isle Oyster Co. in 2015, transforming a side-project into a thriving family business. Discovering a mountain of plastic gear on

After years studying marine microplastics, Abby Barrows founded Deer Isle Oyster Co. in 2015, transforming a side-project into a thriving family business. Discovering a mountain of plastic gear on her new Maine oyster farm, she pivoted to pioneering plastic-free mariculture, now producing some of the world's best oysters. This story reflects the island's precarious present and potential future.

Patagonia shares this narrative of innovation and sustainability, underscoring its commitment to using its resources—business, investments, and voice—to combat the threat of extinction. Learn more about Patagonia: Official Site | Patagonia Stories.