Informal Consultation on Strategic Framework 2022-31, MTP 2022-25 and PWB 2022-23

Informal Consultation on
Strategic Framework 2022-31, MTP 2022-25 and PWB 2022-23

Director-General Speaking Points 

17 March 2021

As prepared

Dear Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. I welcome you to this informal consultation on the Strategic Framework 2022-31, the
Medium-Term Plan 2022-25 and the Programme of Work and Budget 2022-23.

2. We have been discussing the outline of the new Strategic Framework since June 2020. 

3. The documents presented to you now are to prepare for a decision by Conference this summer. 

4. Our aim is to have a document that is embraced by all Members, for which we have been following both formal and informal consultations. 

5. The Strategic Framework, the Medium-Term Plan and the Programme of Work and Budget continue to build on and complement the organizational structure and management changes already put in place to make FAO a more modular, flexible and responsive organization.

6. In developing the Strategic Framework, we have used a top-down and bottom-up approach to ensure that FAO's global mandates and normative strengths are well embedded.

7. Special attention was also given to incorporating the needs coming from the countries through the UNDS reform and related processes to allow FAO to provide maximum support in achieving the SDGs at country level.

8. The Strategic Framework seeks to support the 2030 Agenda through the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems for better production, better nutrition, better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. 

9. The four betters represent an organizing principle for how FAO intends to contribute directly to the Agenda 2030, with the guiding lens of SDG 1 (No poverty), SDG 2 (Zero hunger), and SDG 10 (Reduced inequalities).

10. The betters reflect the interconnected economic, social and environmental dimensions of agri-food systems. As such, they also encourage a strategic and systems-oriented approach within all of FAO’s interventions.

11. To accelerate progress, we will be applying the four cross-cutting/cross-sectional “accelerators”: technology, innovation, data and complements (governance, human capital, and institutions) in all our programmatic interventions to maximize efforts and to facilitate the management of trade-offs, according to national priorities.

12. Working with a team of experienced FAO headquarters and decentralized staff, we have identified a set of 20 Programme Priority Areas that contribute to specific SDG targets, as further described in the Medium-Term Plan. 

13. These Programme Priority Areas embed and communicate themes where FAO has a comparative advantage, track record and ability to act.  They are framed around the four betters of our new strategic narrative.

14. Strengthening partnerships is a key aspect of the new Strategic Framework.

15. Similarly, innovative funding and financing is also crucial if we are to bridge the substantial gap for SDG achievement. 

16. The Programme of Work and Budget 2022-23 translates the strategic narrative presented in the Strategic Framework and MTP into the biennial programme of work. 

17. It has been developed around these core principles:

• it maintains a flat nominal budget (USD 1 005.6 million);
• it covers all increased costs without negatively impacting the technical work; and
• it maintains the organizational structure currently in place.

18. Within the flat nominal budget, resources are reallocated to high priority areas including the new Programme Priority Areas, the Office of the Inspector-General, and to strengthening multilingualism.

19. The new modular and flexible headquarters organizational structure is one of the main initiatives that I have introduced since my arrival and remains in place as one of the key components for the implementation of the Strategic Framework.

20. We are now looking towards an efficient and modern decentralized network and are undertaking a review of regional structures and the transformation of the FAO business model for country offices.

21. This review is envisioned to mirror the changes introduced at headquarters.

22. It is expected to increase quality, opportunity, and effectiveness of regional work and support to FAO Representations, while fostering collaboration and breaking down silos between regional, subregional and national teams and units.

23. Strong cross-continental cooperation is encouraged across the FAOR system to ensure experience sharing for the increased benefit of our Members.

24. To ensure a more efficient and modern FAO over the next ten years, a number of additional areas will also receive careful attention.

25. Specific strategies have been developed for these areas, which include business management, human resources, digital FAO, governance, communications, multilingualism, as well as safety, security and health services.

26. The total budget proposal presented in the PWB 2022-23 is USD 3.26 billion of which USD 2.25 billion (69%) relies on extra-budgetary resources. 

27. We urge members to support the Strategic Framework and the implementation of the programme of work by continuing to provide strong extra-budgetary support.

28. I look forward to a constructive exchange on the strategic direction and budget with you over the coming months, and welcome your ideas and support in contributing to this process. 

29. We want to ensure that how we work in the coming years represents a change for the better – for the four betters – to scale up our programmes on the ground, and harness the power of science, innovation and digital technology to leave no one behind.

30. Thank you.