Addis ababa: The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu, has underscored the necessity of exploring transformative solutions that are inclusive and sustainable to ensure food security within the region.According to Ethiopian News Agency, ministers and heads of delegation responsible for agriculture and food security from IGAD member states, including Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda, gathered in Addis Ababa on the sidelines of the UN Food Systems Summit + 4 Stocktake (UNFSS+4). The ministerial meeting culminated in the adoption of a joint communiqué, which confirms the shared vision and political determination to undertake bold and coordinated action.During the event, Workneh Gebeyehu highlighted the agricultural potential of the IGAD region, along with its rich genetic resources and the ingenuity of its people. He emphasized the importance of evaluating the factors and hotspots contributing to food insecurity in the regio n and exploring transformative solutions that are scalable, inclusive, and sustainable. The showcase of best practices and innovations was also noted as crucial.Workneh further mentioned the importance of promoting strategic alignment and collective regional action while developing a shared set of priorities to guide policy reform, investment, and collaboration. He praised the strategic partners for their unwavering commitment to support IGAD and its member states, acknowledging their role in enhancing the region's resilience and empowering national systems.The joint communiqué, adopted during the meeting, acknowledges the region's largely untapped potential for agricultural transformation and food systems innovation. It emphasizes advancements in seed security, agrobiodiversity, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land and water management, and digital technologies, among others. The communiqué also highlights the necessity of adopting cutting-edge technologies to transform agricultural systems and fo od value chains, enhance predictive analytics, optimize resource use, and strengthen data-driven policy and planning.The commitments made align with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDGs), the African Union's Agenda 2063, and the Kampala CAADP Declaration for Building Resilience and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa 2025. Additionally, during the event, IGAD signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AGFUND (Arab Gulf Program for Development) and Crop Trust, reinforcing their shared commitment to ending hunger and building regional resilience.