April 20, 2026
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Brunei Darussalam, through the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, will host the 38th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC) for the first time.
The conference will bring together ministers, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and senior officials from 44 member nations to deliberate on food security issues and strengthen regional cooperation in the agrifood sector.
According to the APRC Secretariat of Brunei Darussalam, hosting the conference marks a significant milestone for the country and coincides with FAO’s 80th anniversary. The event provides an opportunity to showcase Brunei’s traditions, local products and progress in agriculture, while fostering partnerships to advance food security, sustainable agriculture and rural development at regional and global levels.
As part of the programme, the Asia-Pacific Food Forum will be held on April 22, offering a platform for delegates to discuss food security challenges, agrifood innovations and opportunities for regional collaboration.
Amid a global environment shaped by climate change, economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions affecting food supply chains, the conference is seen as both timely and significant. It is expected to encourage stronger collaboration among member countries to enhance the resilience of agrifood systems, boost productivity and ensure a sustainable and inclusive food supply.
As host, Brunei Darussalam aims to highlight its cultural heritage, local cuisine and progress in the agriculture and agrifood sectors, while strengthening strategic partnerships with FAO member nations.
Hosting the APRC also aligns with the aspiration of the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam under Brunei Vision 2035 to develop the agrifood sector as a key driver of economic diversification.
The conference is expected to deliver tangible outcomes, particularly in technology transfer, productivity enhancement and strengthened FAO technical cooperation, benefiting Brunei’s agriculture and fisheries sectors.