Joint Meeting of the 135th Session of the Programme Committee and 195th Session of the Finance Committee - Closing Remarks

Joint Meeting of the 135^th Session of the Programme Committee and

195^th Session of the Finance Committee

Closing Remarks

(As prepared)

By

Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General

17 March 2023

 

Chairpersons of the Programme and Finance Committees,

Members of the Programme and Finance Committees,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Colleagues,

 

This is the last session of the Joint Meeting of the Programme and Finance Committees with the current membership, and I wish to recognize your constructive efforts towards reaching consensus.

 

Your recommendations and guidance are valuable, especially in the face of these challenging times that demand us to continue delivering, especially for those who need it the most.

 

My special appreciation goes to our Chairpersons. You have successfully completed your terms with your wise and professional conduct of the meetings, even during the most difficult moments, always seeking to find consensus and a spirit of collaboration.

 

I would also like to thank my Core Leadership team and the many colleagues who have contributed, through their hard work and dedication, towards supporting your discussions, and for making FAO a more professional and responsive Organization, at the service of its Members.

 

Above all, thank you to all of you for working together as ONE FAO, working collectively towards our common mandate of ensuring a food secure world for all, leaving no one behind.

 

Dear Members of the Programme and Finance Committees,

 

In particular, I want to thank you for the careful and thoughtful review of the PWB 2024-25 proposal.  I appreciate your understanding of the importance of supporting the Organization during this time when so much is expected and requested of us.

 

Of course, I also understand that all Members must further review and understand the potential impact of the budgetary proposal on their assessments within the current financial climate. We will prepare additional scenarios as requested so that you can have a better understanding of the proposed budget. 

 

We look forward to working together between now and the Conference in July to reach a consensus on a strong budget for the Organization. A budget that will enable us to work even better together as ONE FAO to achieve our shared objectives, in line with FAO’s mandate, and to deliver coherent and cohesive support to the most vulnerable.

 

Let us continue to work together in an efficient and effective manner in our fight against hunger and poverty, which is the real enemy in front of us.

 

Thank you again for your fruitful participation this week and I wish you all a happy and restful weekend!