News
![FAO and Japan urge increased responsible investment for greener stronger agri-food systems](https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/partnerships/img/small_dg-japan.jpg)
19 Feb 2021
Japan is stepping up funding for FAO in three key areas, Vice-Minister for International Affairs at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) Makoto Osawa told Director-General QU Dongyu, as the two officials met virtually today. Osawa went on to list the strengthening of agricultural supply chains in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic; the promotion of traditional healthy diets; and statistical capacity.![Belgium and FAO: Leaving no one behind in community development](https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/partnerships/img/small_rm-Community-engagement-day.jpg)
18 Feb 2021
In collaboration with the Belgian Development Cooperation, FAO’s Inclusive Rural Transformation and Gender Equity Division held the first in a series of five webinars, “Community Engagement for Empowerment: Key for People-Centered Rural Transformation?” Participants looked at the achievements, potential and challenges of community engagement for empowerment in development and humanitarian interventions and strategies.![Framework agreement between Ireland and FAO places sustainable food systems at the centre of collaborative agenda](https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/partnerships/img/small_85552a8e52.jpg)
11 Feb 2021
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Republic of Ireland signed a new Framework Agreement today, consolidating a longstanding collaboration between the two parties in the area of development cooperation.![Chinese experts hold fast to their position in Madagascar for two Spring Festivals to help locals in urgent need](https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/partnerships/img/small_696069096.jpg)
10 Feb 2021
10/02/2021 The Chinese Lunar New Year is approaching, and this is also the time for Chinese families to reunite. However, the experts dispatched by the FAO-China South-South Cooperation (SSC) Programme Madagascar Project are still holding fast to their position in a foreign country. Today, let us have a look at their stories.
FAO-China South-South SSC Programme Madagascar Project
Madagascar, an island country in the southwest of the Indian Ocean, faces the coast of the African continent across the Mozambique Channel. It is a country listed as one of the least developed countries in the world, with its food security situation being particularly worrisome...![FAO welcomes €40 million from Germany to help farmers withstand shocks like COVID-19 and extreme climate events](https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/partnerships/img/small_rm-germany.jpg)
08 Feb 2021
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) today welcomed a €40 million contribution from Germany to help farmers and fishers withstand threats like COVID-19 and extreme climate events.