Embassy and Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the International Organizations

Vienna

********

PRESS RELEASE

The Embassy and Permanent Mission of Pakistan in Vienna, in partnership with the Group of Friends of Food Security and in cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), participated in the organization of a high-level event entitled “Strengthening UNIDO’s Role in Enhancing Global Food Security: From Policy Commitment to Coordinated Action” at the Vienna International Centre (VIC).

The event was convened by the Group of Friends of Food Security, co-chaired by the European Union and Sudan, with Pakistan.  The event brought together representatives of UNIDO Member States, senior officials of the UNIDO Secretariat, experts and stakeholders.

The event was organized as a follow-up to the landmark food security resolution jointly tabled by Pakistan and Sudan and adopted by consensus at the 21st Session of the UNIDO General Conference held in November 2025.

In his remarks, the Ambassador of Pakistan stressed that food security remains one of the defining challenges of the contemporary world due to the combined impact of climate change, conflicts, supply chain disruptions, rising input costs and economic inequalities. He highlighted Pakistan’s positive experience with UNIDO in strengthening agrifood systems and agro-industrial development. In this regard, he referred to the Project for Agri-Food and Agro-Industry Development Assistance in Pakistan (PAFAID), PAIDAR (Poverty Alleviation and Inclusive Development Across Rural Sindh) and Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA). He emphasized that these initiatives demonstrate UNIDO’s comparative advantage in supporting resilient food systems through industrial development approaches and reaffirmed the importance of expanding support for agro-industrial development, particularly in developing countries.

Emphasizing the interrelation between water security and food security the Ambassador of Pakistan stressed the need to uphold internationally bidding water treaties including the Indus Water treaty and cautioned against weaponization of water as it could adversely effect food security for million.

Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to continue working closely with Member States, the Group of Friends of Food Security and the UNIDO Secretariat to advance global efforts aimed at strengthening food security and promoting sustainable and inclusive agro-industrial development.

Vienna
21 May 2026