The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is convening a high-level dialogue on Thursday, April 10, to examine how the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is affecting agri-food systems across Latin America and the Caribbean.
The virtual event, scheduled for 12:00 p.m. (UTC-4) and broadcast live on YouTube, will bring together regional and national representatives from ministries of foreign affairs, agriculture, economy, energy, and planning to analyze the current international context and its implications for the region.
Recent disruptions in the Persian Gulf have affected trade flows through the Strait of Hormuz, driving increased volatility in energy and agricultural input prices. The resulting pressure has raised production costs, pushed up food prices, and heightened risks to food security across the region.
Latin America and the Caribbean occupy a complex position in this environment. While the region is a major global food supplier, it remains vulnerable due to its reliance on imported strategic inputs and exposure to fluctuations in international commodity markets.
The dialogue is part of a series of discussions being promoted by the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, aimed at fostering informed, comprehensive, and action-oriented responses with a regional focus.
Panelists for the event include Mario Lubetkin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay and holder of the Pro Tempore Presidency of CELAC; María Fernanda Rivera, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food of Guatemala; David Martínez, Executive Secretary of the Central American Agricultural Council; and Wendell Samuel, Deputy Secretary-General a.i. of the Caribbean Community.
FAO Chief Economist Máximo Torero Cullen will deliver the keynote address, with the session moderated by Rene Orellana Halkyer, Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean.