LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) will convene policymakers, researchers, development organizations, private sector leaders, farmers' group, and other key stakeholders from across Southeast Asia for the Agricultural and Rural Development (ARD) Conference 2026 on 2-3 December 2026 at Sheraton Manila Hotel in Pasay City, Philippines.
Centered on the theme "Policy Pathways for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation in Southeast Asia", the conference aims to shape a shared regional agenda for building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems.
Organized as one of the flagship events celebrating SEARCA's 60th Anniversary, the conference recognizes that Southeast Asia's agrifood systems are at a critical turning point and that the region has unprecedented opportunities to accelerate agricultural transformation through stronger regional collaboration, evidence-informed policies, and strategic investments. These efforts are expected to help build agrifood systems that are more resilient, inclusive, and competitive.
Anchored on SEARCA's 12th Five-Year Development Plan and its SUSTAIN Southeast Asia agenda, the conference discussions will contribute to the Center's four development outcomes: Pocket, Plate, Place, and People, while advancing regional efforts toward more productive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems.
Specifically, the conference will review regional progress, identify scalable solutions for agrifood systems transformation, align policies and investments with common development goals, and strengthen collaboration and peer learning among Southeast Asian countries.
ARD Conference 2026 will feature keynote presentations, plenary discussions, fireside chats, and high-level policy dialogues organized around four strategic themes: (1) strengthening inclusive agrifood value chains and expanding access to finance and markets; (2) promoting nutrition-sensitive agrifood systems transformation and healthy diets; (3) accelerating the transition to climate-resilient, inclusive, and nature-positive agricultural systems; and (4) leveraging digital innovation to empower farmers, youth, and women and increase agricultural productivity.
As Southeast Asia confronts increasingly complex agrifood system challenges, the ARD Conference 2026 will provide a timely platform for translating knowledge into action. By bringing together diverse stakeholders to exchange experiences, forge partnerships, and co-create policy solutions, the conference will reinforce SEARCA's commitment to advancing science-based, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural development for present and future generations.
For more information on ARD Conference 2026, including the conference program, speakers, registration, and other announcements, visit the official conference webpage at www.searca.org/ard-2026. The page will be regularly updated as additional conference information and activities are confirmed.