Global summit launches hubs, innovations and financing plans to strengthen animal health, climate resilience and food security
ROME: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) hosted its second Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation in Rome from 29 September to 1 October 2025, producing a set of concrete initiatives aimed at accelerating climate-smart, resilient and inclusive livestock systems.
More than 1,000 participants — including FAO Members, policymakers, farmers, private sector representatives, industry associations, civil society, researchers and development partners — took part in plenaries, thematic forums, pitch sessions and side events during the three-day Livestock Week. The discussions focused on three core priorities: scaling innovations, strengthening animal health and welfare, and mobilizing finance for equitable transition.
In his closing remarks, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu announced a package of new commitments and platforms to turn dialogue into action. FAO will launch two global hubs — a One Health Knowledge & Intelligence Hub and a Sustainable Livestock Transformation Innovation Hub — designed to centralize evidence, boost early warning and share proven technologies and business models. These hubs aim to support countries in implementing low-emission, animal-friendly and economically viable livestock strategies.
The conference also showcased high-impact innovations and tools selected through a competitive process. Twenty flagship projects and digital solutions — ranging from precision feeding and methane mitigation technologies to farmer-facing sustainability platforms such as AgNav — were highlighted during a dedicated pitching session to attract scaling partners and investors. Many presenters emphasized the importance of farmer-led approaches and youth engagement in ensuring on-the-ground adoption.
Financing featured prominently throughout the event. Representatives from global development finance institutions shared case studies and financing models aimed at de-risking investments for smallholders and enabling private capital to support practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity while improving productivity and animal health. Delegates underscored that mobilizing public and private resources is essential to shift incentives toward sustainability.
Animal health and antimicrobial stewardship were central themes, framed within a One Health perspective that links human, animal and environmental health. Participants committed to strengthening surveillance, vaccination campaigns and responsible antimicrobial use to reduce disease burdens, protect livelihoods and safeguard global food security. FAO signalled plans to coordinate technical support and data sharing through the newly announced knowledge hub.
Voices from farmers’ organizations and sector groups stressed that policy must be inclusive and context-sensitive. The World Farmers’ Organisation and other farmer networks urged policymakers to co-design solutions that respect local practices, ensure fair remuneration, and provide access to training and finance so that smallholders can be partners — not afterthoughts — in the transformation.
Experts and delegates identified next steps: operationalize the hubs, pilot financing instruments in priority countries, scale proven technologies, and invest in extension and capacity building to help producers adopt sustainable feeding, breeding and waste management practices. FAO said the conference outputs and proceedings will be consolidated into practical guidance and country-level support over the coming months.
Why this matters: Sustainable livestock transformation sits at the intersection of climate action, food security and rural livelihoods. With livestock supporting the incomes and nutrition of more than a billion people worldwide, the conference’s emphasis on innovation, finance and One Health is intended to accelerate transitions that reduce emissions, improve animal welfare and bolster resilience to climate shocks — while keeping food systems affordable and inclusive.
