LOS BAÑOS, Philippines — The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) will bring together senior policymakers, researchers, development organizations, private sector leaders, farmers’ groups, and other key stakeholders from across Southeast Asia and beyond for the Agricultural and Rural Development (ARD) Conference 2026 on 2–3 December 2026 at the Sheraton Manila Hotel in Pasay City, Philippines.
With the theme “Policy Pathways for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation in Southeast Asia,” the conference seeks to shape a shared regional agenda for building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems.
Organized as one of the key events for SEARCA’s 60th anniversary, the ARD Conference 2026 underscores that Southeast Asia’s agrifood systems are at a critical turning point. The region faces mounting climate, economic, and social pressures, but also has unprecedented opportunities to accelerate agricultural transformation through stronger regional collaboration, evidence-informed policies, and strategic investments. These efforts are expected to support agrifood systems that are more resilient, inclusive, and competitive.
Anchored on SEARCA’s 12th Five-Year Development Plan: SUSTAIN Southeast Asia, conference discussions will contribute to the Center’s four development outcomes—Pocket, Plate, Place, and People—while advancing regional efforts toward more productive, climate-resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems.
Specifically, the ARD Conference 2026 will:
- Review regional progress and emerging trends in agrifood systems transformation;
- Identify scalable and innovative solutions that can be replicated across countries;
- Align policies and investments with common development goals; and
- Strengthen collaboration and peer learning among Southeast Asian countries and institutions.
The two-day event will feature keynote presentations, plenary sessions, fireside chats, and high-level policy dialogues structured around four strategic themes:
- Strengthening inclusive agrifood value chains and expanding access to finance and markets;
- Promoting nutrition-sensitive agrifood systems and healthy diets;
- Accelerating the transition to climate-resilient, inclusive, and nature-positive agricultural systems; and
- Leveraging digital innovation to empower farmers, youth, and women and increase agricultural productivity.
“As Southeast Asia confronts increasingly complex agrifood challenges, this conference provides a timely platform for translating knowledge into action,” SEARCA said. “By bringing together diverse stakeholders to exchange experiences, forge partnerships, and co-create policy solutions, ARD Conference 2026 will reinforce SEARCA’s commitment to science-based, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural development for present and future generations.”
For more information on ARD Conference 2026—including the program, speakers, registration details, and 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.