When interconnected challenges require collective action, strategic partnerships – particularly with non-state actors (NSAs) – have become central to FAO’s efforts to transition to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. 

FAO works closely with a diverse array of actors – including civil society organizations (CSOs), cooperatives and producers’ organizations, parliamentarians, Indigenous Peoples, academia and research institutions. By fostering these relationships, FAO has expanded its reach and begun to catalyze innovative approaches and solutions that transcend traditional boundaries.  

The Partnerships with Non-State Actors at FAO – Progress Report 2023 outlines FAO’s work with NSAs over the course of 2023, highlighting how transformative partnerships add value to FAO’s work and help the Organization and its partners move closer to reaching shared global goals. 

In 2023, FAO’s engagement with NSAs at global, regional and country levels grew steadily. On 31 December 2023, FAO had a network of 100 active partnerships with NSAs, spanning all global regions, including 11 newly signed agreements and seven renewed over the course of the year. 

The Progress Report brings to the forefront the added value of transformative NSA partnerships and their direct contributions to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31. It presents a range of successful partnership examples, showcasing their role in FAO’s four betters. 

FAO has undertaken significant work to reinvigorate its relations with NSAs, including joining the UN Partner Portal, revamping its formal status accreditation process for international NGOs, and opening dialogue with the FAO Director-General.

FAO is committed to ensuring food security across every part of the world, and recognizes the vital role of strong partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders, innovation and scientific collaboration in achieving this.

“Only by working together can we envision a future where food security is a shared reality for all.” – Maurizio Martina, Deputy Director-General

Click here to read the Partnerships with non-state actors at FAO – Progress report 2023