Picture: Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Hon. Dr. Mahendra Reddy addressing the participants during the closing.

Not all countries are at the same level of digitalization, Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, the Hon. Dr Mahendra Reddy remarked while virtually closing the SIDS Solution Forum this afternoon.

He called on the Forum to identify the constraints and share their technical expertise to ensure that everyone grew together in achieving parity in levels of digitalization across all SIDS.

“The Forum showcased to us examples of innovation and digitalization for better agriculture, improved nutrition, and health, strengthening our adaptation to climate change and resilience, and with our own experience, we share knowledge recommending the best way forward to achieving the 2030 agenda,” Dr Reddy explained.

He said the meeting identified home grown solutions and harnessed innovation using digitalization as a force multiplier that could accelerate the process.

The Minister said the two-day meeting was a success where it identified avenues that could be achieved through power of digitalization and innovation to fast track development of sustainable agri-food system and secure wellbeing and livelihood for the next generation.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I look forward that the collaboration and partnership we have nurtured in the last 2 days is just the beginning of our future association and engagement that will promote our transformation towards the Sustainable Development Goals.”

This Forum, he said, was the right platform to spearhead critical actions that led to meaningful changes and would change life for the better.