170th FAO Council concludes: “No time to waste,” says FAO Director-General
Rome - “The current global food security situation calls upon us to act now – there is no time to waste,” QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), told Members of the FAO Council today, wrapping up the 170th Session of the executive organ of the FAO Conference.
During its week-long meeting, the Council endorsed two new thematic strategies – one on climate change and the other on science and innovation – to support implementation of FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-31.
The documents “will guide us in supporting Members to address the impacts of the climate crisis and to ensure that all actors, especially small-scale farmers, have access to the best available science, technologies and innovation,” the Director-General said.
Members also endorsed the Programme Implementation Report 2020-21, a vote of confidence that “demonstrates how together, in spite of the challenging context of the COVID-19 pandemic, we delivered on FAO’s mandate efficiently and effectively during these so difficult times,” Qu said.
The Council outcomes will help FAO take a further step towards speeding up actions and realizing the Four Betters – better production, better nutrition, better environment and a better life for all, leaving no one behind.
“The guidance and recommendations provided by this Council are well received,” the Director-General said, adding that the Organization is ready to move forward.
“Let us continue to work together in strong partnership to overcome these extraordinary challenges for people, peace planet and prosperity,” Qu said. “Let us do more and better!”
Webcasts of all sessions of the 170th Council are available here.
Opening Statement by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031