On 12 August 2025, Khem Bahadur Pathak, Board Member for Asia, represented the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) at the Official Opening of the Second Interregional Dialogue on Family Farming in Kathmandu, Nepal.

In his remarks, WFO Board Member Pathak highlighted that this gathering comes at a critical and timely moment, noting that the world has now entered the second half of the United Nations Decade of Family Farming 2019–2028 (UNDFF) – a time to reflect on progress, but also to confront the persistent gaps and urgent needs still facing family farmers across the world.

This high-level meeting is part of a global series designed to foster the exchange of solutions, innovative practices, and lessons learned among countries, paving the way for the forthcoming Global Forum on Family Farming.

Speaking on behalf of WFO, Pathak underlined a core point of both the gathering and the overall Family Farming Decade: family farmers are not just part of the solution – they are essential to tackling the many challenges facing our societies today.

©Nepal Agriculture Cooperative Central Federation Ltd (NACCFL)

The WFO Board Member stressed that across the globe, family farmers are the backbone of rural communities. Often, they are also the first to face the impacts of climate change, yet they continue to adapt, innovate, and lead transformation in agri-food systems, turning to sustainable practices, revitalising traditional knowledge, diversifying crops, and embracing digital tools – often with limited support.

However, ensuring the prosperity of family farmers requires decisive action. This means investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, improving access to markets and finance, strengthening local institutions and cooperatives, and prioritising agricultural education, especially for rural youth and women. Above all, it means ensuring farmers are included in decision-making at every level.

Pathak reaffirmed WFO’s commitment, as Vice-Chair of the UNDFF International Steering Committee, to work closely with FAO, IFAD, fellow farmers’ organisations, and governments to reinforce the role of family farmers in building sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems.

He also underlined the importance of this dialogue as a platform to share experiences, shape better policies, build meaningful partnerships, and drive practical solutions.

Concluding his intervention, the WFO Board Member issued a powerful call to build bridges across regions, generations, and institutions with the shared conviction that a more sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient future starts by recognising and supporting the leadership of family farmers.

Cover photo: ©Nepal Agriculture Cooperative Central Federation Ltd (NACCFL)