Cairo: Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly participated on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in the opening session of the 3rd Global Conference of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representatives, held today in the New Administrative Capital.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the FAO, delivered a speech, commencing by confirming his presence in Cairo to inaugurate the third global conference of the FAO representatives, noting that Cairo hosts the organization's Regional Office. He expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Egyptian leadership, represented by President El-Sisi and Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, whom he referred to as a "brother," having worked closely with him over the past years. He highly commended the efforts of the President and the government in supporting the organization's endeavors.
Qu Dongyu also expressed his appreciation for the generous hospitality and outstanding support provided for this important meeting, reiterating his thanks to the Egyptian government and its authentic people for their continuous support in hosting the FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa.
The FAO Director-General considered the conference a unique opportunity for reflection, knowledge sharing, and aligning the organization's efforts-across its decentralized offices and headquarters-with global needs and priorities. He emphasized that the world is currently facing an unprecedented reality characterized by food insecurity, conflicts, climate shocks, and economic instability, which impedes progress and pushes millions into the clutches of hunger. He noted that this working conference is being held at a pivotal moment, as the organization prepares to implement its new Medium-Term Plan and enhances its readiness for proactive responses to the accelerating global context.
Qu Dongyu added: "This year, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization. For eighty years, the organization has led global efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition, helping nations transform their agri-food systems, improve the livelihoods of their people, and build resilience."
He stressed that the organization has stood by farmers, consumers, youth, women, indigenous peoples, scientists, and smallholders, united in the belief that food can be a pillar of peace, dignity, and shared prosperity.
The Director-General affirmed that the organization stands at a crucial juncture; while celebrating its 80th anniversary, it must transform current challenges into opportunities. He urged adopting a proactive, resilient, and forward-looking approach to ensure the continuous relevance of the organization's strategy, programs, and technical support to the emerging needs of member states.
Qu Dongyu stated: "The review of the Strategic Framework 2022-2031, the Medium-Term Plan 2026-2029, and the Program of Work and Budget 2026-2027 provides us with an opportunity to benefit from lessons learned and adapt to new changes." He highlighted that transformational partnerships, innovation, and technology are no longer secondary options but are pivotal tools for enhancing technical capabilities, bridging knowledge gaps, and paving new pathways for transformation.
He added that the recent update to the FAO's private sector engagement strategy, approved by the Council last week, will allow for scaling up participation regionally and nationally. He emphasized that the decentralized approach of the offices remains essential for translating the organization's mandate into concrete actions, stressing that providing timely, accessible, and tailored technical support is a top priority.
The FAO Director-General asserted that to enhance the organization's efficiency, resilience, relevance, and future readiness, he has been implementing a multi-year restructuring since 2019. He stressed the need to move from a crisis response logic to a resilience-building approach.
He noted that the environment is complex and rapidly evolving, with escalating risks from extreme climate events, pests, diseases, and long-term conflicts. Therefore, the FAO's work in disaster risk reduction and proactive interventions is fundamental to protecting livelihoods and ensuring the sustainability of agri-food systems.
Qu Dongyu concluded by confirming that the FAO has become a leader in proactive action, assisting nearly two million people annually through proactive work in 2023 and 2024. He emphasized that voices and feedback from member states are essential for aligning policies and procedures and translating the organization's mission into tangible action, further enhancing the trust of beneficiaries and donors in the FAO's operational capacity.