Date Time Science, technology and innovation are key to transform agri-food systems in Central Asia 15 March, 2021, Rome – With focus on science, technology and innovation, Central Asian countries can contribute to agri-food systems transformation and serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said today at the Third Meeting of the Ministers of Agriculture of Central Asia. The virtual event, hosted by the Government of Kyrgyz Republic, focused on innovations in agri-food systems. “The pandemic is giving us a rare opportunity to reset, rethink and redouble our efforts to build forward better and greener, using coordinated approaches that are inclusive, holistic, and coherent,” the Director-General said alluding to the region’s major potential for establishing innovative models for cooperation fostering game-changing solutions to common challenges.