ISLAMABAD – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Pakistan, played a significant role in advancing data innovation by actively participating in the National DataFest 2025.
The event, held on November 11–12 at the Pak-China Friendship Centre in Islamabad, was organized by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The pioneering two-day DataFest served as a crucial meeting point for professionals, researchers, policymakers, data scientists, and technology enthusiasts, all converging to celebrate the transformative power of data.
The FAO’s presence featured an interactive stall where the organization showcased its extensive array of global and national data initiatives. These included: AQUASTAT (water information system), FAOSTAT (statistical database), WaPOR (Water Productivity through Open access Remotely sensed data), IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification), RIMA (Resilience Index Measurement and Analysis), The ACWA Portal (Agricultural Climate Water Atlas).
Through engaging videos, live demonstrations, and real-time data examples, FAO demonstrated how robust data collection, analysis, and dissemination are essential for driving sustainable development and informed decision-making across agriculture, water management, climate resilience, and food security. Beyond the exhibition, the FAO team actively contributed to a high-level panel discussion. They engaged with government representatives, development partners, and data experts to emphasize the critical role of open, standardized, and trusted data in effectively shaping national policies and development programs.
FAO’s participation underscored its unwavering commitment to supporting Pakistan in achieving its development priorities and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in food security, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience. By strengthening institutional collaboration, promoting accessible data solutions, and empowering stakeholders, FAO continues to enable evidence-based policymaking and innovative approaches to address emerging challenges.
The National DataFest successfully served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and technical skill enhancement, reinforcing the growing importance of data as a cornerstone for national progress, economic growth, and the creation of a resilient, food-secure future for all Pakistanis.
