Rome – QU Dongyu, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, recently addressed challenges in global food security at the FAO Council meeting in Rome. He emphasized the need for new strategies as interconnected crises loom over the world.
“We face geopolitical tensions, economic instability, environmental issues, and rising social inequalities,” Qu said. Yet he also pointed out that this complexity brings forth opportunities for change. As FAO looks ahead to the 2026/27 work period, he suggested four transformational pathways:
Building Resilience: Instead of just reacting to crises, we must strengthen our resilience. This means promoting climate-smart agriculture and creating safety nets for vulnerable communities.
Knowledge-Driven Agrifood Systems: With high input costs, it’s time to shift towards sustainable agricultural practices. Using tools like FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Geospatial Platform can help farmers access tailored advice.
Collaborative Efforts: FAO seeks to act as a central hub, fostering partnerships to combat poverty and hunger through data-driven initiatives.
Localized Actions: Global goals need local execution. FAO aims to ensure that international directives are translated into specific actions that suit local needs.
FAO’s Role in Global Initiatives
Qu highlighted FAO’s crucial role in international events. For instance, the organization has been tasked by Brazil during COP30 to oversee initiatives focused on sustainable agriculture and land restoration. This includes projects like the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, which promotes forest conservation strategies.
Additionally, during the World Food Forum 2025, the FAO introduced Green Cities Principles to assist local governments in creating sustainable urban environments. The Green Cities in Action project aims to design climate-resilient plans for ten cities across Africa.
Moreover, FAO has secured over USD 400 million in funding for agrifood projects in Small Island Developing States and other vulnerable nations, partnering with the Global Climate Fund.
Incorporating Technology for Better Outcomes
On the tech front, FAO is enhancing collaboration within the UN by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve services. The organization aims to adopt safe applications of Generative AI, making its operations more efficient.
The FAO has also partnered with the Asian Development Bank to boost investments in agrifood systems. Their new FAO Risk Monitor Platform uses geospatial data to manage food crises proactively, allowing for timely responses to threats.
Lastly, the Financing for Shock-Driven Food Crises Facility aims to provide quick assistance to households impacted by crises, demonstrating FAO’s commitment to mitigating food insecurity effectively.
As the 179th FAO Council session continues, discussions will focus on adjustments to global food strategies and emergency interventions. For more information, you can find the agenda on the FAO’s official site.
By tackling these critical challenges and leveraging innovation, FAO is determined to reshape the future of global food security in an increasingly complex world.
