FAO Council week in Rome ends positively

In times of unprecedented geopolitical volatility and challenges to the rules-based international system, the FAO Council this week in Rome showed once again that multilateral agreements to address the fight against hunger in the world and to work together on sustainable agrifood systems continue to be possible.

As Ambassador of the European Union, Martin Selmayr welcomed in particular that we found a clear language on the consequences of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine for global food security WeStandWithUkraine. Also positive was the fact that the informal Group of Friends on the Bioeconomy, chaired together by Brazil and the EU, got broad cross-regional support for its efforts to bring about further convergence on sustainable bioeconomy data, metrics, and standards, new partnerships and possibly a new vision or framework on a bioeconomy that promotes sustainable development and trade, on the basis notably of the G20 Principles.

Last but not least, it was good to see that the FAO review process, which is strongly supported by the EU as part of the broader UN80 process, has positive momentum, thanks to the useful reports presented by the co-chairs of the two open-ended Working Groups. More synergies and efficiencies between FAO, WFP and IFAD must be an integral part of this process.

Thanks to all colleagues from TeamEurope and to all friends and partners who aligned with or supported our common EU statements, for the very close cooperation. And thanks a lot to Mina Rizk, ICC for his efficient chairing of our deliberations.

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