Strengthening Global Connections
The TRANS SAHARA project was proudly represented at the UN FAO World Food Forum 2025, held in Rome — a global gathering of leaders, experts, and innovators committed to transforming food systems and advancing sustainability.
Our partner Dr Stanislav Edward Shmelev, Founder and CEO at Environment Europe Foundation attended the event, engaging in high-level discussions and showcasing the TRANS SAHARA initiative to key stakeholders. Among the highlights was a meeting with Dr. Abeba Hailie Gabriel, FAO Regional Representative for Africa and Assistant Director General, where the project’s objectives and early results were presented. This exchange sparked interest and opened the door to future collaborations.
The event also provided an opportunity to connect with the FAO GIS Office, where tools and approaches relevant to forest agriculture assessment were explored — a promising avenue for technical cooperation and capacity building within the TRANS SAHARA consortium.
Throughout the forum, our presence contributed to broader conversations on sustainable development, agroforestry, and regional resilience. With sessions attended by global dignitaries such as the King of Lesotho and the President Lula of Brazil, Nobel laureates like Mohammed Yunus (Nobel Peace Prize Winner), and ministers from across Africa and Latin America, the World Food Forum reaffirmed the importance of inclusive, cross-sectoral collaboration.
TRANS SAHARA is grateful for the opportunity to engage with FAO and other international actors, and we look forward to building on these connections to amplify the impact of our work.
Stay connected for more updates as we continue to grow and collaborate across borders.
