Readout of meeting between FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu and Carolina Cerqueira State Minister for Social Affairs of the Republic of Angola

28 July 2021, Rome - The FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu today met with Carolina Cerqueira State Minister for Social Affairs of the Republic of Angola.

The Minister thanked the Director-General for the strong partnership and collaboration with the Organization. In particular, she noted the support provided by FAO for the Desert Locust control operations and to drought-affected households in the country’s most affected southeast provinces of Cunene and Huila. The Minister informed the Director-General of the country’s efforts in addressing these issues through data collection for enhanced decision-making, as well as the implementation of long-term plans for the provision of improved irrigation systems and drinking water.

The Director-General assured the Minister of FAO’s support and highlighted the need for a holistic approach for the agri-food systems transformation, to make them more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable. He noted that, as set out in the new FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031, this can be achieved through better production, better nutrition, better environment and ultimately a better life, leaving no one behind.   

The two also exchanged ideas on the importance of the equitable engagement of women and youth as key contributors for the transformation of agri-food systems.

The Minister and the Director-General confirmed their commitment to their continued partnership in the joint effort to transform the agri-food systems.