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Maroc
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Maroc
Morocco Reelected Member of FAO Council in Rome
Morocco was re-elected on Friday in Rome as a member of the Council of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for a new term covering the period from July 1, 2026, until the end of the 46th session of the FAO Conference, scheduled for 2029. This re-election, represented by the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom to the UN agencies in Rome, Youssef Balla, took place during the 44th session of the FAO Conference, held in Rome from June 28 to July 4. Morocco has been one of the 12 countries representing the Africa region on the Council since June 30, 2023. The Kingdom was initially set to complete its current term on the Council on June 30, 2026. However, the renewed confidence of African member states earned it a new term, reflecting their recognition of Morocco's ongoing commitment to food security, sustainable agricultural development, and South-South cooperation across the African continent. Composed of 49 members, the Council is the executive body of the FAO Conference, responsible for ensuring the implementation of the Organization's activities between its plenary sessions. MAP:05 July 2025
Al-Ahram Weekly
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt wins 1st-ever FAO council chairmanship with historic election of Mina Rizk - Foreign Affairs
Egypt has secured the chairmanship of the Executive Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for the first time since its founding in 1945, with the election of Mina Rizk as Egypt's Deputy Permanent Representative to the FAO. Rizk's election marks a significant diplomatic milestone, coming after a highly competitive vote against other candidates, including ministers and senior officials. The candidates included Azad Jafarli from Azerbaijan, Winston G. Pinnock from the Bahamas, Tomás Duncan Jurado from Panama, and Maria Helena Semedo from Cabo Verde. The Egyptian nominee was unanimously elected during the FAO Conference's general session on Thursday for a four-year term, following a rigorous race against four other candidates from across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. According to Egypt's Ambassador to Italy, Bassam Rady, this marks the first time an Egyptian representative has assumed this senior leadership role. At just 38 years old, Rizk is also the youngest person to have ever led the council. He said that the embassy led the nomination and diplomatic campaign, positioning the candidacy as part of the country's broader effort to empower young professionals and enhance Egypt's role in strategic international forums. The state also aims to equip future generations of Egyptian diplomats through hands-on international experience, building a strong, capable cadre that will drive the Ministry of Foreign Affairs forward, Rady said. He noted that Egypt's successful bid for the FAO Council presidency was also the result of months of focused diplomatic work by the Egyptian embassy in Rome. These efforts aimed to showcase the strength of Egypt's candidate and highlight the country's readiness to lead the council at this critical time, the ambassador noted. This comes amid rising global attention to issues of food security, water, agriculture, and irrigation — sectors that are a top priority for Egypt. These efforts align with Egypt's broader national development strategy, which includes major projects in the food security and agricultural sectors, Rady emphasized. He explained that the FAO Executive Council is the organization's main governing body, responsible for shaping its policies, comprising approximately 25 percent of its member states and is elected for three-year terms. According to Rady, Egypt also chairs the FAO's Finance Committee, while the Egyptian Central Auditing Organization has been selected to conduct the organization's legal and financial audits. Additionally, the Egyptian Food Bank was awarded the FAO Partnership Award for this year, recognizing its outstanding cooperation with FAO. The FAO also plans to hold its annual international conference for its regional offices in Egypt's New Administrative Capital later this year. The FAO, a United Nations (UN) agency founded in 1945, aims to lead global efforts in eradicating hunger and improving food security. It supports sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and rural development while addressing issues like climate change, water scarcity, and nutrition through international cooperation and policy guidance. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Morocco World
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Wins Second Term on UN Food Agency Council
Mrirt — Morocco secured a new term on the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Council on Friday, extending its membership until 2029. The re-election took place during the 44th session of the FAO Conference in Rome, which ran from June 28 to July 4. Ambassador Youssef Balla, Morocco's permanent representative to UN agencies in Rome, will represent the country on the council. Morocco currently serves as one of 12 African nations on the 49-member council. The North African country first joined the council on June 30, 2023, and its current term was set to end on June 30, 2026. The new mandate will run from July 1, 2026, through the end of the organization's 46th conference session, scheduled for 2029. African member states voted to extend Morocco's term, recognizing the country's commitment to food security, sustainable agriculture, supporting small island states and lesser-developed countries, as well as South-South cooperation across the continent. The FAO Council serves as the executive body of the FAO Conference, overseeing the organization's activities between the main conference sessions. The main mission is to ensure programs and initiatives continue to address global food and agriculture reelection reflects growing confidence in its role in addressing food security issues across Africa, as the country has actively promoted agricultural development and regional cooperation since joining the council two years ago. The decision strengthens Morocco's position in international food policy discussions at a time when global food security faces mounting pressures from climate change, conflict, and economic instability. Tags: FAOfood securityMorocco
Al-Ahram Weekly
05-07-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt wins first-ever FAO council chairmanship with historic election of Mina Rizk - Foreign Affairs
In a historic first since the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945, Egypt has secured the chairmanship of the organization's executive council. The election of Egypt's Deputy Permanent Representative to the FAO, Mina Rizk, marks a significant diplomatic milestone. It comes after a highly competitive vote against other candidates, including ministers and senior officials. The Egyptian nominee was unanimously elected during the FAO Conference's general session on Thursday for a four-year term, following a rigorous race against four other candidates from across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. According to Egypt's Ambassador to Italy, Bassam Rady, this marks the first time an Egyptian representative has assumed this senior leadership role. At just 38 years old, Rizk is also the youngest person to have ever led the council. He said that the embassy led the nomination and diplomatic campaign, positioning the candidacy as part of the country's broader effort to empower young professionals and enhance Egypt's role in strategic international forums. The state also aims to equip future generations of Egyptian diplomats through hands-on international experience, building a strong, capable cadre that will drive the Ministry of Foreign Affairs forward, Rady said. He noted that Egypt's successful bid for the FAO Council presidency was also the result of months of focused diplomatic work by the Egyptian Embassy in Rome. These efforts aimed to showcase the strength of Egypt's candidate and highlight the country's readiness to lead the council at this critical time, the ambassador noted. This comes amid rising global attention to issues of food security, water, agriculture, and irrigation—sectors that are a top priority for Egypt. These efforts align with Egypt's broader national development strategy, which includes major projects in the food security and agricultural sectors, Rady emphasized. He explained that the FAO Executive Council is the organization's main governing body, responsible for shaping its policies, comprising approximately 25 per cent of its member states, and is elected for three-year terms. According to Rady, Egypt also chairs the FAO's Finance Committee, while the Egyptian Central Auditing Organization has been selected to conduct the organization's legal and financial audits. Additionally, the Egyptian Food Bank was awarded the FAO Partnership Award for this year, recognizing its outstanding cooperation with FAO. The FAO also plans to hold its annual international conference for its regional offices in Egypt's New Administrative Capital later this year. The FAO, a United Nations (UN) agency founded in 1945, aims to lead global efforts in eradicating hunger and improving food security. It supports sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and rural development while addressing issues like climate change, water scarcity, and nutrition through international cooperation and policy guidance. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Express Tribune
03-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
FAO affirms continuous support for agri-reforms
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain addressing at the 44th Session of the FAO Conference in Rome. Listen to article Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain held a one-on-one meeting with Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Director-General QU Dongyu during the 44th Session of the FAO Conference in Rome. The minister expressed deep appreciation for FAO's longstanding support to Pakistan's agriculture sector, said a statement released here on Wednesday. He briefed the DG on Pakistan's ongoing reform efforts aimed at transforming food systems to become more sustainable, inclusive and resilient in the face of climate change. Highlighting the critical role of agriculture, which contributes 24% to Pakistan's gross domestic product and employs 37% of the labour force, Rana Tanveer Hussain outlined major initiatives undertaken under the Vision 2025 and the Prime Minister's Agricultural Emergency Programme. These include reforms in water conservation, seed systems, digital extension services and targeted farmer subsidies. He also discussed new national policies on biotechnology, e-commerce integration for small farm holders and soil health mapping. The minister noted significant outcomes such as improved affordability of healthy diet (from 37% of households in 2019 to 52% in 2024) and a drop in the real cost of healthy diets. He also underscored persistent challenges including food insecurity affecting 36.9% of the population, rising input costs and a severe climate-induced stress. Calling for enhanced international cooperation, the food minister urged FAO to support Pakistan's access to climate financing, carbon markets and adaptation mechanisms for vulnerable farming communities. Director-General QU Dongyu appreciated Pakistan's strong reform momentum and reaffirmed FAO's continued technical and policy support. He praised efforts to opt for climate-smart agricultural practices, digital innovation and capacity building.
