Representatives attend the 34th United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC) on the Denarau island near Fiji's third largest city of Nadi, on April 12, 2018. Senior officials from 46 FAO members in the Asia-Pacific region have agreed that the countries within the region have made great progress in the food and agriculture sector and reduced poverty and hunger. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongxing)

DENARAU ISLAND, FIJI, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Fiji reiterated on Thursday its support to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Asia-Pacific region.

"I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that we will continue our support to the FAO and the region to deliver the ambition of inclusive growth and shared prosperity for all," Fijian President Jioji Konrote said here on Thursday at the 34th session of FAO's regional conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC) which kicked off on Monday.

Many challenges remain ahead, but with steadfast commitment, Fiji could deliver on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he said, adding that no one can be left behind in their common quest for sustainable development.

The president described the regional conference as "very important and timely" to synchronise the work of the FAO with the needs of countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Konrote also hoped that this regional conference would provide them with the opportunity to present and discuss issues and solutions relating to food and nutrition security that are specific to small island countries while keeping with their goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"Through this conference, we should also discuss how the FAO can best help member countries in planning and implementing actions, as well as in mobilizing financial support to build resilience of rural livelihoods," he said.

The president also urged this regional conference to focus on women in agriculture and employment for rural youth.

"This is a huge challenge for the Pacific as the contribution of women and youths are not always recognized, despite their playing a major role in agriculture," he said.

Established in 1945, the Rome-based FAO is the specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Its goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With over 194 members, FAO works in over 130 countries and regions.

The FAO Asia-Pacific regional conference will end on Friday.