This objective is being pursued through the AMAS-1 Joint Programme.
In a strategic meeting, representatives of the United Nations in Bolivia, along with ambassadors and delegates from donor countries, international cooperation agencies, and authorities of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, came together to discuss the Joint Programme “Strengthening Sustainable Food Systems in the Bolivian Amazon for Living Well and in Harmony with Mother Earth” (AMAS-1). The gathering provided a platform to showcase the programme’s transformative potential and its direct contribution to the National Roadmap for food systems transformation in Bolivia.
During the session, the main objectives, components, and expected results of the programme were presented. AMAS-1 is jointly implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), with support from the Joint SDG Fund and in coordination with the Bolivian Government. The programme’s territorial and interagency approach was highlighted, aiming to strengthen the resilience of Food Production Systems based on Traditional Agriculture, with a focus on Indigenous women and youth in the Amazon region.
Anna Marttinen Pont, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bolivia, emphasized the importance of the meeting for building partnerships and inviting international cooperation to join this transformative effort. “AMAS-1 represents a unique opportunity to promote dignified and sustainable livelihoods in the Amazon, in harmony with Mother Earth. Together, we can achieve a deep and lasting transformation that benefits both people and the planet,” she said.
The event included the participation of Acting Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marisa Castro Magnani, who underlined the importance of this joint effort by stating: “The Roadmap is being implemented based on national commitments and capacities; this is a key first step in advancing its fulfillment with the support of UN agencies in Bolivia and the Joint SDG Fund. This coordination is essential to achieving concrete results.”
Marta Cali, Senior Advisor of the Joint SDG Fund, highlighted the programme’s innovative power, stating: “This is the only programme of its kind supported by the Joint SDG Fund in the region, and it reflects the best that multilateralism has to offer: unity of purpose, respect for Indigenous leadership, and a bold, truly inclusive vision of sustainable development.”
Representatives from Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, the European Union, AECID, GIZ, and KOICA reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Bolivia’s efforts to transform its food systems. They recognized the value of the AMAS-1 Programme as a coordination platform that contributes to the implementation of key public policies. They agreed to move forward with joint actions on the ground and expressed enthusiasm for supporting key events that promote the programme’s implementation and sustainability, thus contributing to the goals set out in the UN Food Systems Summit and Bolivia’s National Dialogues.
Their role as strategic partners is essential to expand the reach, impact, and sustainability of these initiatives, accelerating progress towards the 2030 Agenda.
The meeting also included participation and contributions from the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, UNFPA, UN Women, UNIDO, and GRUS.