Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli said Monday Egypt’s hosting of the third annual conference of regional representatives of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reflects the Egyptian State’s firm commitment to supporting the UN agency’s pivotal role in strengthening the world’s food security, developing agricultural and food systems, and backing the most needy countries in facing humanitarian and economic challenges.
Madbouli made the remarks during a speech that he delivered on Monday at the opening of the FAO’s conference in the new capital, on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.
The premier lauded the decision made by FAO Director General QU Dongyu to hold this important conference in Cairo and his continued support for advancing cooperation between Egypt and the UN agency.
Madbouli highlighted Egypt’s longstanding strategic cooperation with the FAO, noting that his country was among the first countries to host a regional office outside the organization’s headquarters in 1947.
He added that such fruitful collaboration has resulted in carrying out dozens of projects for supporting agricultural development, strengthening capacity-building, improving irrigation systems, upgrading value chains, and enhancing early-warning and risk-management capabilities.
The prime minister said regional integration is the most effective way to address growing challenges facing food systems, particularly in light of climate change, economic pressures and global disruptions to supply chains, which have taken their toll on the prices of commodities and production inputs.
He noted the FAO’s slogan for this year “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” underscores the importance of collective action to enhance resilience and secure a safe food future for generations to come.
The slogan, he said, aligns closely with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the government efforts to promote climate-smart agriculture, improve resource efficiency, empower rural women, and expand international partnerships.
The prime minister reaffirmed Egypt’s full backing for the “Hand in Hand” initiative, which was launched by the FAO director general and aimed at bolstering the most vulnerable sectors, boosting agricultural investment, raising productivity and improving livelihoods.
“Amid mounting humanitarian challenges, Egypt emphasizes the need for UN agencies, including the FAO, to play a more active part in supporting countries and communities facing severe disruptions to food supply chains, particularly in Gaza, Sudan and other areas confronted with escalating humanitarian crises,” Madbouli said.
In conclusion, the prime minister emphasized Egypt’s keenness on cementing cooperation with the FAO and push forward international efforts to build more resilient and sustainable food systems and advance global food security.
He wished the FAO’s conference to see productive discussions and come out recommendations that help achieve food security and improve the living conditions of small farmers around the world.
