FAO hosts Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation | FAO News

Rome – Experience shows that the adoption of good practices can make livestock systems truly sustainable, QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), said today as he opened the second Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation.

Held at FAO’s headquarters in Rome until 1 October, the conference convenes FAO Members, policymakers, farmers, private companies, industry associations, civil society representatives, NGOs, researchers, & development agencies to share experiences & showcase actionable solutions for the sustainable transformation of the livestock sector.

Building on the outcomes of the historic First Global Conference in 2023 & subsequent regional forums, this Second Global Conference shifts the focus from dialogue to action. Under the theme Fostering Change, Scaling Innovations, Driving Solutions, the agenda highlights the critical role of livestock in transforming global agrifood systems & holistically ensuring the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment & a better life for all.

Livestock play an indispensable role in societies.

The livestock sector supports the livelihoods of around 1.3 billion people globally & makes up 40 percent of the world’s agricultural GDP. For many in low- & middle-income countries, livestock are a primary source of income & act as a critical financial safety net, providing savings & insurance against economic shocks. They contribute significantly to food security & nutrition, providing approximately one-third of the global protein intake through animal-source foods. Moreover, science continues to affirm the nutritional value of livestock products, with milk, eggs, & meat recognized as essential components of balanced diets, particularly for children & vulnerable populations.

Beyond nutrition, livestock are vital sources of income & employment, creating opportunities for youth & women, & offering critical resilience for vulnerable households in times of crisis. They also contribute to soil fertility & support ecosystems.

However, the sector faces considerable challenges, including its environmental impact alongside public health risks & animal welfare concerns.

“But we also have the solutions,” said the Director-General, citing examples of farms around the world where manure is converted into clean energy, by-products are repurposed into new materials, & animals are raised in healthy, humane conditions.

“The lesson is clear – & science confirms it: When good practices are adopted, livestock systems can be truly sustainable,” Qu said.

Three reasons why this conference matters

In his opening remarks, the Director-General outlined three key reasons why this Global Conference is particularly significant.

Firstly, sustainable livestock transformation demands collaboration & shared commitment. More than 1,000 stakeholders are expected to participate in the conference & in the upcoming Global Forum for Animal Feed & Feed Regulators.

Secondly, the sector stands at an important crossroads. Advances in science, digital technologies, & sustainable practices present opportunities that were unimaginable a decade ago.

“Today, we have the chance to shape livestock systems that nourish everyone, protect our planet, & empower communities for generations to come,” Qu said.

Thirdly, this Global Conference is focused on practical solutions, action over theory.

The three-day conference will feature plenary discussions, expert panels, pitch sessions & thematic forums focused on climate change mitigation, low-emission livestock systems, animal health & welfare, sustainable feeding & breeding, food security, & the role of innovation in transforming the sector.

A dedicated exhibition will run alongside the conference, featuring concrete solutions, technologies & initiatives that support the transformation of livestock systems. It will highlight examples from countries, the private sector & research institutions, offering participants the opportunity to explore innovations & best practices for building more sustainable & resilient livestock systems.

Monday’s High-level Ministerial session included interventions from Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, India’s Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. Abderahim Awat Atteib, Chad’s Minister of Livestock & Animal production, & Hassan Hussein Mohamed, Somalia’s Minister of Livestock, Forestry & Range, were also scheduled to participate in the conference.

FAO’s role

As FAO marks its 80th anniversary, it continues to deliver tangible results on the ground.

The organization continues to support countries in mobilizing long-term investments – through the FAO Investment Centre, the Global Environment Facility, the Green Climate Fund, the Pandemic Fund, the FAO Hand-In-Hand Initiative, South-South Cooperation, & many other key partners.

FAO also supports Members implement One Health in agrifood systems, delivering pandemic prevention, tackling antimicrobial resistance & helping countries address zoonotic diseases that threaten both animal & human health.

Recent initiatives include the Global Strategy for Avian Influenza 2024–2033, accelerated efforts to eradicate Peste des Petits Ruminants by 2030, & the advancement of a Global Plan of Action for Sustainable Livestock Transformation.

As the risk of transboundary animal diseases continues to grow, FAO remains firmly committed & will launch the Global Challenge Programme for Transboundary Animal Diseases – a bold new initiative to protect animal health, strengthen livestock production, & safeguard livelihoods worldwide.

“This event will demonstrate how the commitments we made in 2023 have been translated into real action on the ground – action that is improving lives & livelihoods, protecting our environment, & building resilience in every country & every region,” Qu said.