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FAO Director-General calls for greater innovation and partnerships to transform global agrifood systems

19.05.2026 07:15 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) — Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) QU Dongyu called for greater ambition, innovation and partnership to transform global agrifood systems amid growing pressure on food security and limited financial resources.

«Never before has it been more important to do more and better with less,» the Director-General said in a video message delivered to the Joint Meeting of the FAO Programme and Finance Committees.

He noted that the task ahead is to balance ambition with realism, innovation with fiscal prudence, and global reach with local impact.

Transformation of agrifood systems

The meeting reviewed FAO’s Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) 2026–27 and broader programmatic and financial priorities.

According to Qu Dongyu, the Programme of Work and Budget serves as a roadmap for implementing FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022–31, focused on transforming agrifood systems through the «Four Betters» agenda:

better production;

better nutrition;

better environment;

better life, leaving no one behind.

Resilience and food security

The Director-General identified resilience as FAO’s most urgent priority, emphasizing that peace and stability remain essential for global food security.

He also welcomed Member support for FAO’s assessment of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and their implications for global food security, particularly for food-importing countries and vulnerable regions.

Innovation and digital transformation

Qu Dongyu stressed the importance of accelerating science-based innovation and digital transformation across agrifood systems.

He highlighted the need to ensure that technological advances remain accessible and affordable for smallholder farmers, pointing to initiatives such as:

Digital Villages;

One Country One Priority Product initiative.

Investment and financing

The FAO Director-General also emphasized the importance of mobilizing investment and finance for agrifood systems transformation through:

improved investment readiness;

blended finance approaches;

public-private partnerships.

He described the Hand-in-Hand Initiative as FAO’s flagship platform for connecting country-led investment plans with international partners and financing resources.

Regional priorities

According to Qu Dongyu, regional ministerial conferences highlighted several global challenges affecting agrifood systems, including:

geopolitical fragmentation;

climate and environmental pressures;

demographic shifts;

technological transformation;

tightening financial conditions.

Regional priorities include support for implementation of the African Union Kampala Strategy, strengthening resilience in Asia and the Pacific, and consolidating gains against hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Efficiency and accountability

Qu Dongyu stated that FAO’s Programme of Work and Budget 2026–27 is guided by three principles:

prioritization;

efficiency;

resource mobilization.

«We have scrutinized every programme, every activity, every post,» he said.

The Director-General also warned that declining development finance, currency volatility and unforeseen emergencies continue to create risks for FAO’s funding outlook.

He concluded by reaffirming his vision for «One FAO» built on decentralization, accountability and stronger partnerships.

«Delivery is credibility!» Qu Dongyu said, calling on Members to focus on measurable outcomes, transparency and long-term impact.

Agro Perspectiva

< Global oilseed meal trade is forecast up 6 percent to an all-time high of 119 million tons in 2026/2027

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