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The agriculture sector in ASEAN is central to food security, rural livelihoods, and climate resilience. However, the region faces increasing threats from climate change, environmental degradation, and unsustainable practices such as crop burning, which contribute to air pollution, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and transboundary haze. Recognizing these challenges, ASEAN Member States (AMS) have committed to achieving net-zero emissions in agriculture by 2050.

In response, the ASEAN Climate Resilience Network (ASEAN-CRN), established in 2014 under ATWGARD, has become a key regional
mechanism for advancing climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and promoting climate resilience. Over the past decade, ASEAN-CRN has helped bring climate change and agricultural issues to the forefront of ASEAN and global agendas through policy dialogues, knowledge exchange, and multilateral partnerships.

Building on these achievements, and under the current chairmanship of Thailand, ASEAN-CRN has initiated the development of a 5-Year ASEAN Climate Resilience Program Framework (2026–2030). This framework draws on lessons from the past ten years and aims to address emerging gaps and opportunities, providing complementary regional guidance for ASEAN’s transition toward net-zero agriculture. Specifically, it seeks to scale up regional actions for climate-resilient agri-food systems and institutionalize ASEAN-CRN through the establishment of a permanent Secretariat, while exploring the potential of a formal affiliation with ASEAN. The draft Framework is structured around six strategic pillars, including climate finance, digital transformation, policy integration, and multi-stakeholder engagement, among other priorities.

To gather feedback for refinement, ASEAN-CRN will convene the “Advancing Climate-Resilient and Low-Emission Agriculture: High-Level Dialogue on ASEAN’s Path to Net-Zero” to review the draft Framework, exchange perspectives, and build commitment toward its finalization, adoption, and implementation through enhanced cooperation among AMS, development partners, and key stakeholders. Organized alongside the 47th ASEAN Meeting of Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) in Manila, Philippines, the dialogue, together with the Framework development, is positioned to support the AMAF agenda, where ministers are expected to deliberate on the Food, Agriculture and Forestry (FAF) Sectoral Plan 2026–2030, the complementary Food Security Action Plan, and initiatives on agroecology transitions, naturebased solutions, and crop-burning reduction.

The dialogue aligns with the priorities of the host country and current AMAF Chair, the Philippines, which has emphasized sustainability, cropburning reduction, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), regenerative and digital agriculture, soil and water conservation, and mangrove strategies. It is organized by Thailand’s Department of Agriculture (DOA) in its role as Chair of ASEAN-CRN, supported by the Mekong Institute (MI) serving as Interim Secretariat, and co-hosted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) of the Philippines. The event is made possible through the generous support of development partners, namely the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The side event will focus on the following key objectives:

• Socialize the ASEAN-CRN 5-Year Program Framework (2026–2030) as a regional commitment to climate-resilient agri-food systems
• Build ownership and institutional commitment for the ASEAN-CRN Secretariat and its formal affiliation with ASEAN.
• Facilitate a Commitment Roundtable, enabling AMS and development partners to express alignment and support.
• Showcase the Framework’s six strategic pillars through interactive exhibits and success stories.Strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration across ASEAN working groups and stakeholders.
• Promote innovation, knowledge exchange, and inclusive climate action, especially for smallholders and vulnerable groups.

The event is expected to be attended by 40-50 participants, comprising:

• ASEAN-CRN focal points or ATWGARD representatives
• Selected focal points from the ASEAN Sectoral Working Group on Crops (ASWGC)
  • Selected focal points from other relevant ASEAN working groups, including:
    • ASEAN Working Group on Climate Change (AWGCC)
    • ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (SOM-RDPE
    • ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW) and other gender-related working groups
• Regional and international development partners, including multilateral agencies, donor institutions, and research organizations actively engaged in CSA, low-emission agriculture, and climate resilience initiatives.

The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS)—comprising Cambodia, the People’s Republic of China (Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region), Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam—has worked together since 1992 to advance economic and social development through subregional cooperation.

With support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other development partners, the GMS Program drives high-priority projects across strategic sectors including agriculture, energy, environment, health and human resource development, ICT, tourism, transport, trade facilitation, and urban development.

Within this framework, the GMS Knowledge Network (GMSKN) was established in December 2022. It brings together universities, think tanks, and research institutes—including the Mekong Institute (MI)—to:

• Enhance systematic knowledge-sharing among research and policy institutions.
• Coordinate and conduct joint research on issues of regional importance.
• Develop evidence-based knowledge to inform policy dialogue and generate practical inputs for both government and private sector decision-making.

In 2025, GMSKN is rolling out the Knowledge for Innovation (KFI) Program, which runs from August 2025 to March 2026. The program integrates complementary components and services, including:

• Knowledge management training modules
• Policy briefs
• Communities of practice
• A regional knowledge forum

The theme of “Sustainable and Inclusive Agrifood Systems” was endorsed by the GMS Agriculture Working Group, ensuring that the program’s outputs respond directly to country priorities and regional needs.

The objective of the Virtual Panel is two-fold:

• Introduce the GMSKN and the KFI 2025 Program to knowledge institutions from all six GMS countries.
• Explore how a dynamic knowledge ecosystem can support sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems in the subregion—by identifying opportunities, gaps, and pathways for collaboration.

The event is open to universities, research institutes, and knowledge organizations across the GMS that are committed to advancing agricultural knowledge and innovation in a systemic, inclusive, and sustainable way. Participants are also invited to join KFI 2025 activities and to become members of the GMSKN.

The launch of the KFI 2025 Program marks a significant step in strengthening the GMS knowledge ecosystem. The GMS Secretariat and MI, as GMSKN coordinator, will present the program’s objectives, components, and timeline. National Steering Committee members will offer country perspectives on the importance of knowledge collaboration and innovation.

A high-level panel will then address critical questions around strengthening agrifood systems through knowledge and innovation. While a wealth of knowledge exists across the subregion, challenges remain in accessibility, usability, and equitable application. Harnessing innovation requires inclusive and well-managed ecosystems that empower farmers, processors, marketers, and other stakeholders.

Guiding questions include:

• How can expert knowledge be shared more effectively for real-world impact?
• Is information reaching stakeholders in accessible formats and through the right channels?
• How can digital platforms better facilitate collaboration and scale solutions?
• What roles can AI and emerging knowledge innovations play in agrifood systems?
• How do we ensure equitable access and utilization of knowledge across diverse actors?

By engaging with these questions, the Virtual Panel aims to shape a shared vision and actionable roadmap for a more sustainable and inclusive agrifood future in the GMS.

• To confirm your participation, please register at this link.