UN FAO Chief Urges Investment in Innovation for Food System Transformation
Mei-Lin Chen | AFP
The UN FAO's chief emphasized the need for investment in innovation, technology, and youth at the 2026 World Food Forum to address agricultural challenges and transform global food systems.
On Monday, Qu Dongyu, the head of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), addressed the critical need for increased investment in innovation and technology to overhaul global food systems. Speaking at the 2026 World Food Forum in Rome, Qu emphasized that significant efforts are required to tackle the declining productivity in agriculture, loss of biodiversity, and increased stress on water resources.
Qu Dongyu underscored the necessity for enhanced innovation in technology, business models, and international collaboration. He introduced the FAO's Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Forum, noting that it has already attracted $7.88 billion in investment commitments and negotiations aimed at supporting agricultural development and strengthening rural economies.
Investment in Youth and Technology
Qu Dongyu highlighted the crucial role of artificial intelligence, digital tools, and scientific advances in crafting sustainable agricultural solutions. He also stressed the importance of investing in young people, with a special focus on young women, to enhance their participation and leadership in food systems. According to Qu, the World Food Forum network has expanded to over 100 national youth chapters, signaling a growing commitment to engaging younger generations in these efforts.
The FAO chief's remarks at the forum aim to ignite further interest and commitment from global stakeholders in advancing agricultural innovation and productivity through the active involvement of youth and harnessing technological advancements.
Italian Prime Minister's Address on Food Security
In a video message to the forum, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlighted food security as a paramount global issue, underlined by recent global conflicts. She stressed that approximately 645 million people worldwide still suffer from hunger, predominantly in Africa.
Meloni shared Italy's Mattei Plan, which aims to combat malnutrition, create job opportunities for young people, and bolster climate-resilient agriculture across Africa. She reiterated Italy's commitment to spearheading partnership initiatives between Europe and Africa to elevate local food production and self-reliance.
Global Partnerships and City-Level Implications
The appeals made by both Qu Dongyu and Giorgia Meloni underscore the interconnectedness of global food systems and highlight the pressing need for cooperative solutions that bridge continents. Cities, as influential policy and innovation centers, play a pivotal role in translating these global strategies into localized actions that can support sustainability and resilience.
Urban areas, with their unique capacity for innovation in technology and policy, can drive forward initiatives that align with the FAO's goals and Italy's international efforts. By leveraging city-level infrastructure and governance capabilities, municipalities can become pivotal players in the quest for global food security, while also addressing local economic and social challenges.
Questions That Matter
What did FAO's Qu Dongyu emphasize at the World Food Forum?
Qu Dongyu emphasized the need for greater investment in innovation, technology, and young people to transform global food systems. This call to action was part of his address at the 2026 World Food Forum in Rome.
What investment has FAO's Hand-in-Hand Initiative Forum secured?
The FAO's Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Forum has secured $7.88 billion in commitments and negotiations to support agricultural development and rural economies, as highlighted by Qu Dongyu.