QU Dongyu stresses role of digital innovation at UN Digital and Technology Network Meeting

Rome – FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, today addressed global experts at the UN Digital and Technology Network Meeting, emphasizing the crucial role of digital transformation in tackling the world’s most pressing challenges, including food insecurity and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Opening the meeting, Qu stressed that digital technology offers a critical opportunity to accelerate global impact, particularly as the world faces a food crisis, with one in every 11 people lacking sufficient food. He noted that despite the urgent need for action, many SDG targets remain out of reach. However, he emphasized that leveraging digital solutions could be key to overcoming these challenges.

“Digital offers us a critical opportunity to bring about the transformation we need,” the FAO Director-General said. “To ensure delivery on Digital at the global level, we need to ensure we transform our digital mindset within our organizations.”

Qu outlined FAO’s rapid digital transformation, which has already made significant strides in advancing the Organization’s capabilities. He also noted that FAO is leading the United Nations system in the adoption of Digital Public Goods, with the largest collection of such resources within the UN. One notable example is the FAO Agro-informatics Platform, an award-winning system that integrates geospatial data, remote sensing, and advanced analytics. This platform has been instrumental in supporting FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative, which identifies areas with the highest potential for agricultural transformation. Through this and other initiatives, FAO is using digital capabilities to directly contribute to achieving the SDGs, focusing on the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all people, leaving no one behind.

“Digitalization can only accelerate transformation if it is accessible to all,” he stated, highlighting the importance of ensuring that digital tools are available and usable by all stakeholders, particularly in developing countries and underserved communities.

The Director-General’s remarks set the stage for two days of discussions on the role of Digital, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Information Security, emphasizing the need for global cooperation and shared expertise to address the challenges of digital transformation.

Qu expressed confidence in the potential of digital technologies to transform global food systems and help achieve the SDGs. He reiterated FAO’s commitment to continuing its digital journey and enhancing collaboration with Member States and international partners.