The beginning of November marked a moment of unity, inspiration, and tangible results for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Tajikistan — as Dushanbe hosted a large-scale event titled “Hand-in-Hand,” bringing together more than fifty of the organization’s partners under one roof. Among the attendees were representatives of government institutions, international organizations, the private sector, and rural women who had managed to gain stability and income through FAO-supported agricultural projects focused on climate change adaptation.
This event represented a significant milestone in the national implementation of FAO’s global Hand-in-Hand Initiative. It not only showcased the progress made in Tajikistan but also served as a platform for experience exchange, partnership building, and discussion of future collaboration. In the face of growing climate challenges and food system instability, such gatherings are increasingly vital — enabling diverse sectors to align efforts toward sustainable development and food security.
Organizers placed special emphasis on inclusivity. Guests were invited to attend with their children, for whom a dedicated celebration program was arranged, featuring educational games, quizzes, and creative workshops. This approach underscored a central message of the initiative: partnership and shared responsibility must be nurtured from an early age. Cultivating a new generation that thinks sustainably and acts collectively is no less important than investing in technology or infrastructure.
The Hand-in-Hand Initiative is currently being implemented in 77 countries and serves as FAO’s strategic tool to accelerate the transformation of agrifood systems. Its uniqueness lies in the integration of advanced geospatial data analysis, comprehensive planning, and cross-sectoral collaboration. This is not merely a technical assistance program — it is a platform that helps countries identify priority investment zones, remove barriers, and create conditions for inclusive growth, grounded in real data and local needs.
The Dushanbe event became a vivid showcase of the initiative’s achievements in Tajikistan. Within a single venue, visitors encountered success stories that illustrated how international support translates into tangible results on the ground. From the development of seed production — where a single grain grows into a rich harvest — to farms adopting sustainable agricultural practices that increase yields and incomes, the examples were both inspiring and instructive. These stories demonstrated that sustainable development is achievable through systemic approaches and mutual trust among all stakeholders.
A cultural program was seamlessly woven into the event’s concept. National corners allowed guests to experience Tajikistan’s rich heritage, while a culinary exhibition drew particular attention. Traditional dishes prepared according to historical recipes — dal dal, kurutob, brichoba, oshi tugjon, kadukov, chalpak, and others — were not just a treat but a reminder that food security is about more than technology and productivity. It is also about preserving cultural identity, honoring traditions, and sustaining ways of life.
Speaking to attendees, FAO Representative in Tajikistan, Aghasi Harutyunyan, emphasized that the Dushanbe gathering was a continuation of the global dialogue initiated at the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum, held at FAO Headquarters in Rome from 14 to 17 October 2025. That forum brought together over 2,000 participants from 31 countries — including governments, development banks, private sector actors, and investment funds. Discussions focused on agrifood projects totaling USD 15.9 billion, aimed at strengthening food security, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable development.
The event in Dushanbe was not merely a local occasion but a vital link in the global chain of efforts to transform agrifood systems. It demonstrated how international initiatives can be adapted to national contexts, how global goals take shape in people’s lives, and how cooperation — genuine, trust-based, and inclusive — becomes the foundation for a sustainable future. Among the stands filled with seeds, green seedlings, and fragrant dishes, one message rang clear: sustainable development begins with collaboration, when one hand truly reaches out to another — not in words, but in action.
