On  22 October 2026 the Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (CSAM) of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) joined in support of the 2026 edition of the “Belt and Road International Agricultural Equipment and Smart Agriculture Science and Technology Innovation Conference”, co-organized in Beijing by the China Agricultural University’s (CAU) College of Engineering, “Belt and Road” International Innovation Institute of Agricultural Equipment and Smart Agriculture, and Research Center for Agricultural Mechanization. The conference brought together representatives from international organizations, governments, universities, research institutions, farmers' organizations and the private sector to explore pathways for advancing agricultural modernization through innovation, digitalization and sustainable mechanization. 

Discussions were held under the theme “Food Security, Intelligence, Digitalization and Sustainability (Green and Low-Carbon Development)”, reflecting growing interest in the role of advanced technologies in addressing agricultural productivity, resilience and environmental challenges. 

In addition to being a platform for showcasing technological advances, the conference provided an opportunity for participants to exchange experiences on promoting sustainable agricultural transformation across Belt and Road countries, including CSAM partners. Participants from different regions discussed opportunities to strengthen international cooperation in agricultural equipment development, smart farming technologies, capacity-building and innovation systems. Delegates represented a broad range of stakeholders, including government agencies, academic and research institutions, producer organizations and agribusiness enterprises. 

During the opening session, CSAM highlighted the importance of ensuring that digital and smart agriculture solutions remain accessible, affordable and responsive to local needs, particularly for smallholder farmers. Discussions emphasized the potential of digital and climate-smart mechanization to improve productivity, enhance resource-use efficiency, strengthen resilience to climate change and create new opportunities for rural communities. Building on its long-standing partnership with China Agricultural University and other partners attending the event, CSAM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting innovation, technology transfer and knowledge exchange for sustainable agricultural mechanization in the Asia-Pacific region, underscoring the importance of South-South cooperation in facilitating the adaptation and scaling up of practical solutions across countries facing similar agricultural and environmental challenges. 

The conference included plenary sessions, thematic discussions and exchanges among experts from different regions. Participants explored emerging trends in intelligent agricultural equipment, digital agriculture, and green and low-carbon development, while identifying opportunities for deeper collaboration among governments, universities, research institutions and the private sector. As digital technologies continue to reshape agricultural systems, participants emphasized the need for supportive policies, skills development, standards and partnerships that can accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions and ensure that their benefits reach farmers at scale.