171st Session of the Council FAO Innovation Award Ceremony
by Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General
06/12/2022
171st Session of the Council
FAO Innovation Award Ceremony
Remarks
By
Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General
5 December 2022
Excellences,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Colleagues,
1. I am pleased to be addressing you during this special celebration.
2. These newly launched and newly structured FAO Awards recognize progress in the transformation of global agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable,
3. In support of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
4. They showcase successful initiatives that support FAO’s mandate, and contribute towards making FAO a valuable, trusted and engaging partner in the global agenda,
5. To efficient, effectively and coherently support Members, partners, the UN family and all stakeholders.
6. The assigning of the FAO Innovation Award has been a competitive process, and I appreciate the excellent work carried out by the screening and selection committee in ensuring a smooth and rigorous selection process that recognized the importance of this new awards programme.
7. Innovation has always been a key component of the new FAO’s vision.
8. We need science and innovation to deliver on our common goals of transforming our agrifood systems to nourish people, nurture the planet, advance equitable livelihoods and build resilient ecosystems.
9. In these challenging times, we need inspiring actions that encourage even greater collaboration for a sustainable, food secure future.
10. A future where everyone, everywhere has regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
11. We need to work together to achieve the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all, and ensure that no one is left behind.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
12. Nominations were received from over 20 countries, from across all FAO regions.
13. This year’s awardee has demonstrated through its work and accomplishments to possess the knowledge, capacity and passion needed to make positive transformative changes.
14. I congratulate the representative of the winning organization who travelled from far to be here with us today to receive the FAO Innovation Award: Ms Xin Yi Lim, Executive Director for Sustainability and Agricultural Impact of PINDUODUO.
15. You are working hard to bring about change.
16. Your organization provides a unique platform for engaging young people and bringing together scientists and innovators, representatives from the private sector and research institutes to develop tailor-made practical solutions for addressing the challenges faced by smallholder farmers.
17. Your technological innovations on management of farming systems and emissions reduction are contributing to sustainable agricultural development worldwide, and to global food security.
18. FAO celebrates these great achievements with you today.
19. My heartfelt congratulations to PINDUODUO!