Private Sector Forum

12-13 November 2009

Background

The world is undergoing a financial turmoil that has led to serious economic setbacks and a global food crisis. In 2007 and 2008, mainly because of high food prices, the number of hungry people in the world soared by over 100 million, to reach a total of about 1 billion hungry and malnourished people, or some 15 percent of the world’s population.

With the poor and food insecure, among the most seriously affected, strong and decisive messages are needed to policy makers to substantially increase investment in agriculture to feed a growing rural and urban population.

At the same time, by 2050 the world’s population is expected to reach 9.2 billion people. Meeting the food needs of the planet while conserving the basic natural resources are among the foremost challenges of our time.

Vital role of the private sector

Appreciating the critical situation in which, the food insecure especially are placed, FAO is organizing a series of events which will culminate in the World Summit on Food Security to be held in Rome from 16 to 18 November. The importance of securing a vital link with the private sector is seen as a key contribution to the Summit and to improving the food security of one billion people.

FAO, working together with the City of Milan and the organizers of the Universal Exposition on the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life” in 2015, will host a meeting of high-profile business leaders from companies involved in all aspects of the food value chain.

Taking place on 12 and 13 November 2009, this Private Sector Forum will give participants an opportunity to exchange views about the challenges, risks and possible drivers of a future food crisis and will seek to identify concrete solutions to which companies can contribute.

To be opened by the Mayor of Milan, Letizia Brichetto-Arnabaldi Moratti, with an address by FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf, business leaders will join FAO and other experts in a series of debates that will be open to the media.

The Private Sector Forum will conclude with a statement representing the private sector which will be presented at the World Summit on Food Security.