42nd Session of the Conference CLOSING REMARKS
by Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General
18/06/2021
42nd Session of the Conference
CLOSING REMARKS
Dr. QU Dongyu FAO Director-General,
18 June 2021
As prepared
Thank you, Chair.
Distinguished Delegates,
1. We have reached the end of this historic Session of the Conference.
2. I want to thank all delegations for their valuable contributions and active engagement.
3. My appreciation also goes to our esteemed Chairperson, and the Vice Chairpersons for their hard work this week.
4. This was the first Conference to be held in a virtual mode.
5. A truly remarkable achievement by itself!
6. This interactive and inclusive Conference showed strong support to the Strategic Framework for the next decade, for the Medium-Term Plan, and for the Programme of Work and Budget of the next two years.
7. Your support for our vision and our efforts of translating the concept into action is highly appreciated.
8. It is a big task that we humbly accept.
9. I was also pleased by the positive interaction and feedback we received for this year’s McDougall Lecture.
10. Our thanks go to Mr Bill Gates for the interesting and insightful lecture, and to the panelists of the High Level Round Table for their valuable inputs and discussion.
11. The election of the Independent Chairperson of the Council was another clear sign of FAO’s strong capability to adapt and evolve.
12. Conducting such an important election simultaneously in two continents is another first for FAO and, as far as we know for the UN System.
13. I congratulate Ambassador Hans Hoogeveen for his election and look forward to a constructive collaboration in the years to come.
14. Our gratitude and respect go to the outgoing ICC, Mr Khaled Mehboob.
15. I also wish to thank the Staff Body Representatives for their positive intervention.
16. We will continue our constructive dialogue, in mutual respect and trust.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
17. I wish to thank all those, who worked for long hours preparing and servicing this Conference, to ensure its smooth running and success.
18. From the Secretary-General of the Conference and his team, to the interpreters, translators and technicians, and all those who worked behind the scenes.
19. I also thank ALL FAO employees for their dedication and hard work, since I took office two years ago.
20. Each one, from her or his position, contributed to the new dynamic, agile and energized New FAO you see today.
21. One big family - One noble mission.
Dear Friends,
22. In closing, I wish you a restful and safe summer break.
23. I thank you all, once more, for your attendance and your active participation!
24. Over to you, Chair.