FAO adopts strategies on climate, innovation for next decade

In this photo taken on March 30, 2022, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Qu Dongyu (right) speaks during the opening ceremony of the 37th FAO Regional Conference in Quito. (RODRIGO BUENDIA / AFP)

ROME – The Council of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Tuesday formally adopted two strategies set to guide the organization's work on climate change and on science, technology and innovation over the next 10 years.

The strategies, which are designed to drive implementation of FAO's Strategic Framework 2022-2031, apply broadly to the global agricultural and food systems, including, according to FAO, "when it is grown, fished, harvested, processed, packaged, transported, distributed, traded, bought, prepared, eaten, and disposed of."

The strategy on climate change will help facilitate "resilient and productive aquatic ecosystems," focusing on interlinked challenges such as the loss of biodiversity, desertification, water security, and land degradation

The strategy on climate change will help facilitate "resilient and productive aquatic ecosystems," focusing on interlinked challenges such as the loss of biodiversity, desertification, water security, and land degradation.

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Meanwhile, FAO said it sees science and innovation as a "powerful engine to transform agrifood systems and end hunger and malnutrition," which needs to be accompanied by strong institutions, good governance, proper regulatory frameworks, equity, and political will.

Qu Dongyu, FAO's director-general, said the agreements made by the 170th session of FAO's Council were the "extraordinary result of collective efforts." The Council met in Rome on Monday and Tuesday. 

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