Global Cooperation Crucial for Sustainable Agri-Food Systems: FAO Director-General

Strategic Insights -

In a recent address to the Agriculture Ministers' Conference in Berlin, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized the need for continued global cooperation to strengthen the sustainability of agri-food systems, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Qu outlined FAO's readiness to support the world in a "new path," particularly through its COVID-19 Response and Recovery Programme, Hand-in-Hand Initiative, and Geospatial Platform, as well as the One Health approach. The conference brought together over 90 ministers from around the world, along with high-level representatives of international organizations, to address the challenges of climate action, COVID-19 response, and preventing future pandemics.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FAO Director-General QU Dongyu highlighted the importance of continued global cooperation to strengthen the sustainability of agri-food systems, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • FAO is ready to support the world in a "new path," particularly through its COVID-19 Response and Recovery Programme, Hand-in-Hand Initiative, and Geospatial Platform, as well as the One Health approach.
  • The conference resulted in the adoption of a final communique that calls for "impetus for climate action, response to COVID-19, and preventing future pandemics."
  • The communique emphasizes the need for innovation in sustainable production, including new technologies and practices, in line with the FAO framework for sustainable bioeconomy.
  • Ministers pledged support to farmers, particularly smallholders, for sustaining their activities and livelihoods during the pandemic, and to assist their recovery afterwards and help enhance their resilience.

Statistics:

  • Over 90 ministers from around the world attended the Agriculture Ministers' Conference in Berlin.
  • The conference was a record number for a GFFA gathering.
  • FAO has established an International Platform for Digital Food and Agriculture, which has already been approved by FAO's governing Council.

Sources:

  • "FAO Director-General emphasizes importance of continued global cooperation to strengthen the sustainability of agri-food systems." UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Press Release.
  • "GFFA 2023: Final Communique." Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) Press Release.