Hanoi, Viet Nam — From October 7 to 9, 2025, around 80 policymakers, technical experts, farmers, and development partners from across the Asia-Pacific gathered in Hanoi for the Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on Scaling Climate Solutions in Agrifood Systems: Climate-Smart Technologies, Carbon Market Pathways, and COP30 Preparation. 

Jointly organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), and hosted by Viet Nam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), the United Nations Food Systems Coordination Hub, the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), the ASEAN Secretariat, the Mekong Institute (Interim Secretariat of the ASEAN Climate Resilience Network), the Food and Agriculture for Sustainable Transformation (FAST) Partnership, and the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA), the workshop served as a timely regional platform to strengthen readiness for climate finance, carbon markets, and the upcoming 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30). 

“Agriculture is one of the most effective levers for climate resilience, adaptation, and economic growth,” said Mr. Vu Duc Dam Quang, Deputy Director General of Viet Nam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. “This workshop comes at a crucial moment between COP29 and COP30, where ambition must turn into concrete action.” 

Opening remarks highlighted the scale and urgency of the challenge. Mr. Osamu Kubota, Deputy Assistant Minister, MAFF, noted that agriculture and land use contribute 22% of global greenhouse gas emissions but receive only 4% of climate finance. “Japan’s MIDORI INFINITY initiative promotes technologies that both boost productivity and reduce emissions, supporting food security and decarbonization.” 

Mr. Vinod Ahuja, FAO Representative in Viet Nam, emphasized that Article 6 of the Paris Agreement now allows agriculture and land-use projects to generate high-integrity carbon credits. “Robust MRV systems, clear governance, and institutional alignment are essential to turn these opportunities into real results.” 

Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Viet Nam Resident Representative, added that well-designed carbon markets can directly empower farmers, increasing incomes and resilience while advancing climate goals. 

Sessions combined informative presentations with interactive panel discussions, giving participants opportunities to learn, debate, and share experiences. Country representatives and development partners served as resource persons, enriching the exchange of practical insights. 

The workshop opened with sessions on global policy frameworks and capacity building within the Paris Agreement, setting the foundation for national engagement. Participants explored the structure and implications of NDCs, long-term strategies (LTS), and transparency mechanisms such as the Enhance Transparency Framework (ETF) / Biennial Transparency Report (BTR). 

Technical discussions linked agriculture to NDC 3.0 and Article 6 opportunities, introducing key readiness elements such as MRV systems and carbon market integrity. A special session spotlighted Viet Nam’s forestry and landscape carbon initiatives, showcasing the country’s progress in aligning agriculture and forestry for climate goals. 

The second day focused on financing mechanisms and private sector engagement for climate-smart agrifood systems. Sessions examined innovative financing models and carbon market business development, with private sector players — including Faeger, Green Carbon, CarbonFarm, Sagri, and others — sharing their solutions for scalable, technology-driven climate action. 

A major highlight was the Development of Country Roadmaps for Article 6 Readiness in Agrifood Systems, facilitated by IGES. The exercise helped countries identify practical steps to operationalize Article 6 — from establishing governance frameworks and MRV systems to piloting projects that can attract carbon finance. 

This collaborative roadmap exercise strengthened cross-country understanding and laid the groundwork for joint initiatives toward COP30. 

The final day turned focus toward UNFCCC processes and COP30 preparation, providing a clear picture of how agrifood systems can shape global climate dialogues. Participants engaged in interactive sessions — including “Farmers Meet Negotiators” — where farmer organizations exchanged perspectives with government negotiators on strengthening national climate action. 

Through a writing exercise on COP30 priorities, participants jointly crafted regional messages that reflect shared aspirations for inclusive, resilient, and well-financed agrifood systems. The synthesis revealed strong convergence around three priorities: (1) Advancing adaptation and resilience in food systems; (2) Ensuring equitable and accessible climate finance; and (3) Establishing clear, inclusive frameworks for carbon markets under Article 6. 

Participants also emphasized the need for regional cooperation, technology transfer, and just transition pathways that empower women, youth, and farmers. 

The workshop demonstrated how collaboration between governments, development partners, science institutions, and farmers can generate practical solutions. MAFF’s initiatives supported low-emission technologies and transparency systems, while Viet Nam’s Ministry of Agriculture ensured alignment with national priorities. UNDP, UNFSS, IGES, MI, FAST, CIAT, and AFA provided technical guidance, regional coordination, and farmer perspectives to turn knowledge into action. 

The three-day workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to regional collaboration and COP30 advocacy. By connecting policymakers, farmers, and innovators, strengthening readiness for carbon markets, and building financing pipelines, participants took a major step toward a united Asia-Pacific voice for resilient, low-emission agrifood systems. 

Assistant Secretary U-Nichols Manalo of the Philippines Department of Agriculture expressed gratitude for the timely opportunity provided by the workshop just ahead of COP30. “It allows policymakers to share knowledge, build consensus, and showcase farmer-led solutions that make agrifood systems resilient to climate change. ASEAN may be smaller than other blocs in global negotiations, but a united voice ensures we are heard. We must seize this opportunity, and events like this help turn potential into action.”