The Mandate of FAO-LOWA

The mandate of FAO-LOWA

“The Liaison Office for North America in Washington, D.C.” (LOWA) advises and assists in the development and implementation of FAO policies and programs by facilitating communication and cooperation between FAO and the governments of Canada and the United States, and between FAO and the international and inter-American organizations based in Washington.

LOWA represents the Director-General before the governments of Canada and the United States, and international organizations and financial institutions based in North America.

The Liaison Office identifies, analyzes and reports to Headquarters on developments regarding government policies, legislation, programs, events and public opinion in the region, relevant to the programs and objectives of the Organization.

In consultation with the various units at Headquarters, LOWA provides liaison, maintains working contacts and participates in meetings with financial institutions, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations based in North America and associated with the UN system. LOWA also reports pertinent developments and advises on possible follow-up to FAO Headquarters and, in the case of inter-American organizations, to the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean.

LOWA provides information on food, agriculture and rural development issues and on FAO objectives, policies and programs to the North American Governments and the public, including non-governmental and academic institutions in the region.

The North America office provides the secretariat and servicing for the Consultative Sub-Committee on Surplus Disposal (CSSD), in support of the Organization's worldwide activities in monitoring food aid programs, including the World Food Program.

LOWA carries out a wide range of administrative support services in North America, including recruitment, fellowship administration, procurement, income tax administration, communications, and financial services.

The Office arranges visits and consultations in North America for FAO officials and briefs them on the latest developments concerning matters related to their mission.