Islamabad, 13 November 2025 (Nosheen): The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Pakistan took center stage at the National DataFest 2025, held at the Pak-China Friendship Centre in Islamabad from 11–12 November. The two-day flagship event, organized by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), gathered policymakers, researchers, data scientists, and technology professionals to promote innovation, collaboration, and the growing impact of data on national development.
FAO Pakistan set up an interactive exhibition booth highlighting its diverse portfolio of global and national data-driven platforms, including AQUASTAT, FAOSTAT, WaPOR, IPC, RIMA, the ACWA Portal, and the FAO eLearning Academy. Through multimedia displays, real-time demonstrations, and hands-on learning tools, FAO illustrated the importance of reliable and accessible data in advancing sustainable agriculture, water resource management, climate resilience, and food security.
Representatives from FAO also participated in a high-level panel discussion, where experts from government, development partners, and the scientific community emphasized the need for open, standardized, and trustworthy data to shape evidence-based policies and strengthen development planning. FAO underscored its commitment to supporting Pakistan in leveraging data for informed decision-making aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
FAO’s engagement at National DataFest 2025 reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing institutional capacity, improving data accessibility, and fostering innovation across Pakistan’s agriculture and food systems. By promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange, the organization continues to empower stakeholders to adopt solutions that drive economic growth, resilience, and long-term national progress.
The National DataFest stands as a dynamic platform for learning and innovation, reinforcing the vital role of data as a catalyst for development and a foundation for building a food-secure, sustainable future for Pakistan.