WORLD FOOD DAY 2023 Intergenerational Dialogue Message from Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General

WORLD FOOD DAY 2023

Intergenerational Dialogue

Message from Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General 

16 October 2023

 

I always appreciate opportunity for us to come together - as I have said on many occasions - we must work together, think together, learn together and grow together. And these events from the opportunity to do this. Today, FAO's young and young-at-heart from across the Organization are here to engage and exchange perspectives. This is something that is very close to my heart: intergenerational knowledge is an essential building block for the future, for a better life for all, leaving no one behind. This is a meeting of minds to move forward together and continue the modernization of FAO.

 

Last year I welcomed my good friend Khalid Mehboob to share his wealth of knowledge and experience and today I am delighted to welcome another good friend to be with us here - Dan Gustafson. Dan has over 25 years of service and experience to share. Personally, I have learned a lot from his institutional knowledge and as my trusted Special Representative is someone I know I can turn to for valuable insights. But I have also learned so much from our vibrant, young generation who bring a vital energy to FAO.

 

At both last year’s World Food Forum, and this year, we can feel the energy of youth in action! This is a critical energy to keep FAO at the centre of the dialogue around agrifood systems transformation.

 

Today is FAO’s 78th birthday, a moment to reflect on our rich heritage and also to look at the future, and how we can contribute to an increasingly modernized Organization and a FAO of excellence that is fit for purpose.

 

Today, we ask, 'What can the older generation learn from the younger generation?' and 'What can the younger generation learn from the older generation?’ This is something we should think about not just today but every day. Open the door to your office, speak to your colleagues in the corridor, in the cafeteria, ask questions and, most importantly, listen to each other. Only together can we find the answers and better solutions to help the people we serve – the farmers of the world – to turn the Four Betters philosophy into action.

 

We must leverage our collective wisdom to help vulnerable populations and stand united to achieve real progress. We need senior colleagues to pass on their experience from the past, to the youth for their actions in the future. We all have lessons to share and my message to you is - don't let age be a barrier.

 

No matter our age, we must all work together so that FAO can continue on its journey towards becoming a more modern and innovative organization, which is digital, open, transparent and trusted. Every single employee in this Organization matters, what each of us does is important and we need everyone to play their role in achieving FAO's mandate – with a common vision and a common passion – ONE FAO!

 

Thank you.