Disclosure of relevant project information helps stakeholders to effectively participate in project consultations. FAO will disclose in a timely manner information on environmental and social risks to programming that is relevant, understandable, accessible and culturally appropriate.

FAO is committed to ensuring meaningful, effective and informed participation of all relevant stakeholders in the formulation and implementation of FAO programmes and projects. Special attention should be given to ensure an adequate representation of women and groups who are most at risk of social and environmental impacts.

The term 'stakeholder' refers to individuals, groups, or organizations representing them, who are affected or are likely to be affected by project activities or to those who may have an interest in the programming activities. Government partners, civil society actors and organizations, local government actors, private sector actors and other groups are crucial stakeholders in FAO’s projects and programmes.

Stakeholders involved in FAO activities have a right to exercise their opinions, whether positive or negative, to the organization responsible for actions that affect them. Addressing grievances early and effectively mitigates, manages and resolves problems and prevents their escalation.

All FAO project/programme-level grievance redress mechanisms shall receive and address complaints related to the implementation of activities in a timely and culturally appropriate manner. In addition to project/programme-level grievance and conflict resolution mechanisms, FAO has established an Independent Accountability Mechanism with the Office of the Inspector General that sets out a system as a supplemental means of redress for concerns of affected parties as specified in the ‘Compliance reviews following complaints related to the Organization’s Environmental and Social Standards guidelines’.