Monday, 25 May 2026
FAO leader applauds Egypt, urges action on food security
The Director-General of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Dr. Qu Dongyu, expressed his deep appreciation for Egypt’s leadership and longstanding support to FAO’s mission during the opening of the third Global Conference of FAO Representatives, held in Egypt’s New Capital.
The conference was inaugurated with Egypt’s Prime Minister, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, representing President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Dr. Qu began by expressing his joy at being in Cairo and thanked President El-Sisi and Dr. Madbouly – whom he considers a dear colleague – for their steadfast support and generous hospitality. He also thanked the Egyptian people for their continuous backing of the FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa, which is hosted in Cairo.
Dr. Qu highlighted the significance of the event as a unique opportunity for reflection, knowledge-sharing, and improved alignment between FAO’s headquarters, decentralized offices, and global food security priorities. “Today, we stand at a pivotal juncture. Our world faces unprecedented challenges, from food insecurity and conflict to climate shocks and economic instability, pushing millions toward hunger,” he said.
The conference coincides with the FAO’s 80th anniversary, a milestone marking decades of global action to combat hunger and malnutrition, strengthen agricultural systems, and support vulnerable groups including smallholders, youth, women, and indigenous peoples. “We remain united in the belief that food can be a pillar for peace, dignity, and shared prosperity,” he affirmed.
Dr. Qu announced the upcoming inauguration of the FAO’s new global Food and Agriculture Museum and network on October 16, to coincide with World Food Day. This new space aims to tell FAO’s story and foster intergenerational dialogue linking food, culture, and knowledge.
Looking forward, Dr. Qu stressed the urgent need to transform today’s challenges into opportunities by adopting a forward-looking, resilient, and proactive approach. “As we review our strategic framework for 2022-2031 and set new plans for 2026-2029, we commit to innovation, transformative partnerships, and the expanded use of technology,” he said.
He described how the FAO is enhancing its collaboration with member countries and the private sector, working to ensure timely, customized technical support, and strengthening its decentralized approach to better respond to national needs.
Since 2019, FAO has carried out a comprehensive restructuring to streamline operations and support resilience in the face of increasingly complex global risks, from climate events to long-standing conflicts. Dr. Qu noted FAO’s proactive work has helped nearly two million people annually in 2023 and 2024 alone, supporting rural lives and government policies alike.
He also announced major updates to FAO’s workforce and headquarters facilities, including increased green spaces, improved digital tools—such as the launch of ‘FAO AI’, a virtual HR assistant—and intensified focus on science and innovation for better production, nutrition, environment, and livelihoods, striving to leave no one behind.
Dr. Qu closed with a promise: “Our mission is as urgent today as ever. By listening to your voices and working together, we will ensure the FAO’s work has real, lasting impact across the globe.”
The FAO global conference in Cairo will continue with sessions focused on innovation, resilience, and collaborative action to achieve food security and sustainable development for all.