Launch of the FAO-Ireland Partnership Report - “Partnering for a peaceful, equal and sustainable world”

Intervention by FAO Director-General

Launch of the FAO-Ireland Partnership Report

“Partnering for a peaceful, equal and sustainable world”

Wednesday, 10 March 2021

 

1. The First FAO-Ireland Partnership Report conveys the spirit of our excellent collaboration in recent years and shows how our joint efforts have translated into concrete results on the ground.

2. Through our recently signed Framework Agreement, we now have a basis for an even more structured and harmonized cooperation.

3. We are launching this report during very challenging times, as the world is facing the impacts of a pandemic, and the number of hungry people is on the rise.

4. Our response to these challenges needs to be collective and holistic in making our agri-food systems MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable.

5. The UN Food Systems Summit is therefore very timely in galvanizing momentum and public support, and FAO continues to provide full support to the Summit’s preparatory process.

6. We are actively present in the Summit’s governance structures, from the Advisory Committee to the Scientific Group, the UN Taskforce and the Food Systems Summit Secretariat, of which we host a part in Rome.

7. We are the UN Anchor Organization for Action Track 1 on “ensuring access to safe and nutritious food” and support the assessment of potential game changing solutions through the FAO led modelling approach, with the financial support of the Government of Ireland. 

8. I thank you for your strong support and commitment to this priority area of work.

9. We are also coordinating with other UN Agencies, to ensure that the Action Track working groups can build on existing knowledge and experience.

10. We have appointed focal points for each of the other Action Tracks and cross-cutting levers of change, so as to contribute FAO’s expertise. 

11. FAO will also be hosting the Pre- Summit and the Science Days.

12. FAO’s World Youth Food Forum will drive this momentum into the future, ensuring inclusive and solid partnerships for the implementation of the Summit outcomes. 

13. Members are increasingly requesting FAO’s technical support, notably in the provision of data, evidence and assessments of agri-food systems to inform the national dialogues. 

14. FAO is undertaking rapid agri-food systems assessments in 60 countries to inform the development and implementation of the national food systems road maps.

15. This pandemic has provided clear evidence that innovation and digital technologies are crucial across all industries – especially food and agriculture. 

16, Ireland is widely recognized for its leadership in agri-tech and digital innovation, sustainable and climate sensitive agriculture, and food production.

17. Your experience represents the transformative power of agricultural development with a deep appreciation for heritage and traditions.

18. Over the past six years, Ireland channeled EUR 26 million to more than 40 programs and projects implemented by FAO around the world.

19. Your contributions and expertise have supported FAO’s efforts for global food governance, sustainable agri-food systems and nutrition, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and resilience-building.

20. This is further amplified by Ireland’s role as a valuable partner for South-South and Triangular Cooperation, sharing and tailoring its own experience and knowledge in agri-food systems transformation, using strategic multi-stakeholder partnerships to assist developing countries in enhancing their agricultural production capacities, particularly in Africa.

21. I commend Ireland’s international development policy, “A Better World” that is linked to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and fully aligns with the aspirational priorities of FAO’s new Strategic Framework – the Four Betters.  (Better Production, Better Environment, Better Nutrition and Better Life).  

22. FAO is pleased to partner with Ireland to deliver on the commitments of ‘A Better World’ in our shared vision for a more peaceful, equal and sustainable future.

23. We appreciate the trust you are putting in FAO and we will continue to work hard in supporting agri-food systems transformation and fighting against hunger, malnutrition and poverty.

24. Thank you.