Latest news with #QuDongyu
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
President Museveni Meets Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations Director General
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today met and held fruitful discussions with the Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, H.E Qu Dongyu at State House, Entebbe. Welcoming the Director-General, President Museveni underscored the critical role of the FAO in supporting the transformation of agri-food systems, reiterating that agricultural development remains a top priority for Uganda. President Museveni assured H.E Dongyu of his unwavering support to facilitate smooth collaboration with the FAO. The two leaders further discussed how they could enhance collaboration in key areas such as sustainable agriculture, and food security that are vital for Uganda's agricultural transformation. A significant emphasis was also placed on the need for income security, nutrition and hygiene to provide a stable foundation for well-being and development of individuals. H.E Dongyu expressed gratitude for Uganda's ongoing commitment to the FAO and affirmed the organization's readiness to provide strong support to Uganda's investment plans. 'Uganda has significant potential for rapid growth and development.' The FAO delegation included; Mr. Maximo Torero, Chief Economist; Mr. Abebe Haile Gabriel, Assistant D.G and Rep. for Africa; Ms. Lineo Molise, Regional Coordinator for Africa; and Mr. Shen Hong, Assistant to the Director General. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Global Demand For Meat And Dairy Set To Rise, But Climate And Nutrition Gaps Remain
15 July 2025 However, persistent nutritional gaps and mounting environmental pressures reveal a complex path ahead, according to a new study by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) – an influential international policy forum. The Agricultural Outlook 2025-2034, released on Tuesday, projects a six per cent increase in global per capita consumption of animal-source foods by 2034 – beef, pork, poultry, fish, dairy and other animal products. The trend is most pronounced in lower middle-income countries, where intake is expected to rise by 24 per cent, far outpacing the global average. ' These projections point to better nutrition for many people in developing countries,' said Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the FAO. Increased incomes, better diets – but not for all The surge in consumption in middle-income economies is attributed largely to rising disposable incomes, changing dietary preferences and urbanisation. In these countries, daily per capita intake of animal-sourced foods is projected to reach 364 kilocalories, surpassing the 300 kcal benchmark. At the same time, consumption in low-income countries will remain low – reaching just 143 kcal per day, less than half the amount deemed necessary for a healthy diet – highlighting stark inequalities in access to nutrient-rich diets and the challenges ahead to ensure everyone is food secure. Mr. Qu urged greater efforts to ensure people in the lowest-income countries also benefit from improved nutrition and food security. Production expanding but emissions rising To meet rising demand, global agricultural and fish production is projected to increase by 14 per cent over the next decade, largely driven by productivity gains in middle-income nations. Output of meat, dairy and eggs is expected to grow by 17 per cent, while total livestock inventories are projected to expand by seven per cent. However, these gains come at an environmental cost: direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture are set to rise by six per cent by 2034, despite improvements in emissions intensity. As production becomes more efficient, the emissions generated per unit of output will decline, but the overall footprint will still grow unless additional measures are taken. Other key findings Cereal yields to grow 0.9 per cent annually, with harvested area expanding just 0.14 per cent per year – half the pace of the last decade By 2034, 40 per cent of cereals will go directly to human consumption, 33 per cent to animal feed, and the rest to biofuels and industry Biofuel demand set to rise 0.9 per cent annually, led by Brazil, India and Indonesia Sub-Saharan Africa's beef herd projected to grow 15 per cent, though productivity remains just one-tenth of North America's India and Southeast Asia will drive 39 per cent of global consumption growth by 2034; China's share falling to 13 per cent from 32 per cent High-income countries to see drop in per capita fats and sweeteners intake due to health trends and policy shifts A win-win: More nourishment, fewer emissions The report outlines a scenario in which nourishment improves for all, and agricultural emissions are reduced by as much as seven per cent below current levels by 2034. Achieving this dual outcome would require major investments to improve productivity, alongside widespread adoption of existing low-emission technologies such as precision farming, improved livestock feed and prioritising nutritional production. Future progress will depend on a blend of policy coordination, technological innovation and targeted investments – especially in countries where the gap between demand and nutritional value is stark. ' We have the tools to end hunger and boost global food security,' said Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD. 'Well-coordinated policies are needed to keep global food markets open, while fostering long-term productivity improvements and sustainability in the agriculture sector.' Pivotal role for global trade The Outlook also reiterates the importance of trade, given that 22 per cent of all calories eaten will have crossed international borders by 2034. ' International trade will remain indispensable to the global agri-food sector,' the report stressed. ' Multilateral cooperation and a rules-based agricultural trade are essential to facilitating these trade flows, balancing food deficits and surpluses across countries, stabilising prices and enhancing food security, nutrition and environmental sustainability.'
The Star
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
FAO advances One Country One Priority Product initiative in cooperation with China
ROME, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The inception workshop of the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) flagship One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) Initiative through the FAO-China South-South Cooperation Programme (SSC) kicked off Tuesday morning in Italy's capital, Rome. Launched globally by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu in September 2021, the OCOP initiative aims to promote, at global, regional, and local levels, special agricultural products (SAPs) that possess unique qualities and characteristics linked to specific geographical locations, farming practices, and cultural heritage. Over the three-day workshop at FAO's headquarters in Rome, project leaders from 15 demonstration countries across five global regions came together to exchange insights and plan implementation. According to FAO, China has committed 5 million U.S. dollars -- the largest single contribution to the OCOP initiative to date -- to support global capacity-building and demonstration activities through SSC. During the opening session, Beth Bechdol, edputy director-general of FAO, said in her remarks that China's generous contribution is a significant milestone. She thanked China for its support and said: "By leveraging South-South and Triangular Cooperation, we can amplify our impact, foster robust partnerships, and mobilize resources to deliver a cohesive and effective approach to sustainable development." Zhang Lubiao, China's Permanent Representative to FAO, emphasized that China attaches great importance to green and high-quality agricultural development. He noted that China's experience has shown that promoting distinctive and competitive agricultural products is an effective pathway for achieving sustainable agricultural and rural development. "The OCOP initiative is a powerful example of how developing countries can work together, exchange knowledge, and drive inclusive, sustainable development," he said: "China stands ready to continue working with FAO and OCOP countries, sharing experience, technology, and practical solutions under the South-South Cooperation framework." Hafiz Muminjanov, global coordinator of the OCOP Secretariat, told Xinhua that OCOP has established strong and productive cooperation with China. Scholars from Chinese academies have supported the initiative by helping promote sustainable value chains for various agricultural products, such as potatoes and sweet cherries, in many countries. As of July 4, 2025, a total of 95 FAO member nations across all five regions have committed to promoting the sustainable development of 56 special agricultural products under the OCOP initiative, which range from field and horticulture crops, to forest, livestock, and fishery products. The workshop runs from July 8 to 10 at FAO headquarters, featuring multiple sessions focused on sharing best practices and lessons learned from global OCOP implementation, and on raising awareness of the initiative through FAO-China SSC.
Muscat Daily
29-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
FAO to establish permanent office in Oman
Muscat – Oman and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of United Nations have signed an agreement to establish a representative office in Muscat, marking a new phase in cooperation. The agreement was signed in Rome on Saturday by H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Dr Qu Dongyu, Director-General of FAO, in the presence of H H Sayyid Nizar bin al Julanda al Said, Ambassador of Oman to Italy, and senior officials from both sides. The move is expected to expand Oman's presence in international forums dealing with food, climate and water, while strengthening joint technical programmes in agriculture, fisheries and natural resource management. H E Habsi said the agreement reflects FAO's role in shaping agricultural, food security and rural development policies at both regional and global levels. He added that establishment of a permanent FAO office in Oman represents a major step in enhancing cooperation, particularly in implementation of national strategies and coordination across sectors under the ministry's oversight. Dr Thaer Yassin, Head of the FAO Mission in Oman, described the agreement as a strategic development that will deepen the organisation's engagement in the country. He said the presence of a permanent representative will enhance knowledge exchange and broaden technical cooperation both nationally and across the region. FAO has supported projects in Oman since 2012, particularly in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, with emphasis on sustainable development and climate resilience. The organisation's project portfolio in the sultanate grew 83% between 2022 and 2024, with contributions from government entities, academic institutions and the private sector. This growth, FAO official noted, reflects increased mutual confidence and a shared commitment to advancing sustainable food systems and rural development in line with environmental goals. A permanent FAO office positions Oman as a key partner in the organisation's efforts to reform agri-food systems in the Gulf region. It also aligns with both parties' priorities to promote food security, sustainability and innovation across the sector. According to FAO, the Muscat office will support progress towards several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those linked to ending hunger, climate action and sustainable land use. It will also strengthen coordination with other UN agencies operating in the sultanate.
Observer
29-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman and FAO sign pact to establish office in Muscat
ROME: The Sultanate of Oman and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations signed an agreement in Rome to open a permanent FAO Representation in Muscat. This step strengthens Oman's participation in global discussions on food, climate, and water, enhances technical cooperation, and supports the implementation of joint initiatives in agriculture, fisheries, and natural resource management. The agreement was signed by Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, on behalf of Oman, and by FAO Director-General Dr Qu Dongyu, with the presence of HH Sayyid Nizar bin al Julanda al Said, Oman's Ambassador to Italy, and officials from both parties. Dr Al Habsi said the agreement affirms FAO's pivotal role in shaping international agricultural, livestock, food security, and rural development policies. He expressed hope that the partnership would increase project inflows and leverage FAO's expertise to implement national strategies and enhance coordination across sectors under the Ministry's purview. Dr Thaer Yassin, Head of FAO's mission in Oman, described the agreement as a strategic step that will strengthen the organisation's ability to assist member states in building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems. He stressed that a permanent office will expand the scope of technical cooperation and promote knowledge exchange at both national and regional levels. Since 2012, FAO has implemented a range of agricultural and fisheries projects in Oman with a focus on sustainability and climate adaptation. Between 2022 and 2024, its project portfolio in the Sultanate grew by 83%, reflecting deepening trust and collaborative ties with government bodies, academia, and the private sector. Oman is now positioned as a strategic partner in FAO's regional drive to transform food systems across the Gulf. The agreement underscores the country's rising international profile and its commitment to sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural development. It also supports progress towards multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in ending hunger, climate action, and land conservation. — ONA
