The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition and advance food security. Established in 1945, the FAO is the largest intergovernmental organization specializing in food and agriculture.

Key Functions:

• Food Security: Fosters global food security by providing technical assistance, policies, and data to countries on food production, distribution, and consumption.
• Agriculture: Supports agricultural development and sustainable food production practices.
• Forestry: Promotes sustainable forest management and the protection of forest ecosystems.
• Water: Addresses water scarcity and management issues related to food production.
• Nutrition: Promotes nutrition and food safety standards.
• Emergency Response: Provides emergency assistance to countries affected by food crises and natural disasters.

Major Programs:

• World Food Programme (WFP): Provides emergency food assistance and supports food security programs.
• Common Agriculture Policy (CAP): Promotes agricultural development in developing countries.
• Biotechnology for Food Security: Facilitates the development and use of biotechnology for food production and improved nutrition.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Contributes to the achievement of SDG 2 on zero hunger.

Governance:

The FAO is governed by a 45-member Conference of Parties (COP) that meets annually. The Conference elects a 34-member Council, which oversees the organization’s activities. The Director-General, appointed by the Secretary-General, leads the FAO Secretariat.

Headquarters:

Rome, Italy

Members:

• 194 member states
• 2 observer states

Key Achievements:

• Development of the International Food Policy Index (IFPI)
• Establishment of the World Food Summit
• Adoption of the Rome Declaration on World Food Security
• Promotion of sustainable agriculture practices

Overall, the FAO plays a crucial role in addressing food security challenges and supporting sustainable food production and agricultural development.