On October 24th and 25th, 2023, about 300 representatives from more than 20 countries, 7 regional and international organizations gathered here in Beijing to attend the 2023 International Conference on Dryland Agriculture. Focusing on the theme of “Building Resilient Dryland Ecosystem to Achieve SDG 2030”, the representatives have conducted in-depth exchanges on paths and methods of ensuring food security and nutrition, livelihood improvement, resilient dryland agroecosystem building, and socioeconomic policy for agricultural sustainable development, and have reached a broad consensus. We would like to raise the following initiatives that encapsulate our commitment to promoting dryland agriculture towards a sustainable future.
1. We affirm the importance of building resilient agroecosystem and developing sustainable agriculture in drylands for ensuring global food and nutrition supply, livelihoods improvement and poverty eradication in order to accelerate achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
2. We recognize that dryland agriculture faces great challenges in particular in the context of changing climate patterns due to its vulnerable nature, and addressing the challenges facing the world’s dryland areas needs substantial international collaboration and coordinated efforts.
3. We consider that innovation and application of cutting-edge agricultural technologies are indispensable tools for advancing dryland agriculture development. We commit to investing in cutting-edge science and technology, including supporting research initiatives, promoting digital farming practices and harnessing the potential of big data and artificial intelligence.
4. We pledge to strengthen global partnerships and collaboration, transcending geographical boundaries and cultivating a spirit of unity among all stakeholders. We will build a knowledge-sharing ecosystem that supports the growth and prosperity of dryland agriculture worldwide.
5. We value the importance of this international conference, and encourage dryland agriculture community to promote the conference as an international platform for exchange and discussion of development strategies, scientific research and policies as well as knowledge and information sharing on dryland agriculture.
