The Third Global Peasant Forum, co-hosted by the World Peasant Association (WPA) and the China Agriculture Cooperation Association (CACA), came to an end on November 4, 2024, in Limassol, Cyprus. The forum brought together government officials, representatives of peasants’ organizations, agricultural specialists, and researchers from around the world to explore agricultural development policies and new potential for international collaboration. The forum’s central subject, “Go Together”, not only reflects the common difficulties and possibilities confronting global agricultural growth but also shows WPA’s fundamental belief in the unity of the world’s peasants and their shared progress.  

(Coverage of the Third Global Peasant Forum by PIK, the national television station of Cyprus)

"One chopstick is easily broken, but a bundle of chopsticks makes a group," said Nicos Ioannou, WPA’s Executive Director, in his opening remarks, highlighting the value of cooperation and solidarity in global agricultural advancement.

Regarding how the forum developed, WPA’s Secretary-General Zhang Qi stated that from the first forum’s initial exploration of the cooperation path to the third forum’s deepening of the cooperation practice, the Global Peasant Forum has gradually grown into an “international engine” to promote agricultural sustainability. This platform enables peasants from various nations to share ideas and work together to achieve common goals.

Dr. Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture on behalf of the President of Cyprus, spoke highly of the Forum. She believes that the Forum is an essential chance for global peasants to gain insights and knowledge, as well as an accelerator to promote agricultural sustainability by allowing peasants’ wisdom and expertise to be exhibited on a worldwide scale.

Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus Liu Yantao delivered a speech outlining a detailed plan for global agriculture cooperation as well as China-Cyprus relations. The forum not only reinforced China-Cyprus agricultural cooperation, but also opened up new avenues for global agricultural cooperation, he said, highlighting the long history and complementing benefits of China-Cyprus agricultural cooperation.

The event also featured keynote addresses from Mr. Yiannis Armeftis, Mayor of Limassol; Mr. Stavros Stavrou, President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI); and Liu Kai, Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy. The attendees agreed that agriculture is a key component of the country's economy and that fostering global collaboration is vital to advancing agricultural growth. The convening of the Global Peasant Forum represents a significant step forward in terms of international cooperation and the promotion of agricultural exchanges.

During the forum, participants engaged in in-depth talks about the current state of agricultural development, future trends, the protection of peasants' rights and interests, agricultural technology innovation, and trade in agricultural products, among other topics. A significant outcome of the forum was the signing of a MoU on agricultural cooperation between WPA and CCCI. This marks a substantial step forward in international agricultural cooperation. In addition to the formal discussion sessions, the Forum scheduled site visits and inspections of wine vineyards, as well as conversations on future agricultural and tourism cooperation.

The inaugural Quannongtai World Short Video and Photography Contest awards ceremony took place concurrently with the event. Mr. Chen Jianjun, Director of the Organizing Committee of the Competition, announced the results and winners. The representatives of the winners were presented with awards by Forum guests.

The Third Global Peasant Forum was a resounding success, reviving global agricultural growth and giving an important platform for international agricultural partnership. As a major force behind global agricultural growth, WPA will continue to work with all stakeholders to create a more affluent and sustainable "common prosperity map" for global agricultural development.