Suzanne Mubarak

“In my capacity as Raeia, Illustrious Guide, of FAO, I solemnly commit myself to be at the forefront of the global fight against hunger and poverty, especially in this moment marked by new challenges facing food security such as climate change, bioenergy and soaring food prices.

It is a long-term relationship that I will build with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and fighting hunger is a cause that I intend to back for many years to come, as I have done in the past”.

Her Excellency Suzanne Mubarak, First Lady of the Arab Republic of Egypt, was nominated as Raeia (Illustrious Guide) of FAO on 16 October 2008, in the light of her active involvement in the daily struggle for a decent life of those who are disadvantaged, hungry and suffering.

H.E. Suzanne Mubarak has always shown a deep concern about the problems of the underprivileged.  She is the recipient of numerous international honours, mainly through the Suzanne Mubarak Women’s International Peace Movement, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to improving the quality of life of the women and children in the Arab world, and of her personal commitment to international efforts aimed at integrating health and sustainability in the development process.

Mrs Mubarak is tirelessly pursuing a number of programmes in support of education, health, culture awareness and other activities to provide assistance and subsistence to the population, with a special attention to the development of women, in their role as providers of life, conveyors of values and focal points for change in the family and society.

Immediately following her appointment as Raeia of the Organization, the First Lady offered her high patronage to a World Food Day/TeleFood event organized in Cairo on 17 November 2008.

In January 2009, the First Lady granted her patronage to the visit to TeleFood projects in Cairo of a high-level delegation of European football officials and former star players representing the Professional Football against Hunger awareness and fundraising campaign.  A press conference was organized on 14 January at the Egyptian National Sports Council.  The visit was the group’s first concrete initiative with the Association of European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) since it launched its anti-hunger fundraising campaign at FAO HQs in October 2008.

Using her influence and charisma, Mrs Mubarak is acting as the Organization’s illustrious advocate and guide in support of the fight against hunger and malnutrition, aiming to make Food for All a reality in the 21st century and beyond.