Maurizio Martina is Deputy Director-General, supporting the Director General in different external and internal strategic matters.

A national of Italy, he holds both a Master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Macerata in Italy. Prior to joining FAO, Mr. Martina served as a Member of the Italian Parliament at the House of Representatives as well as Member of the Agricultural Commission in Rome, Italy. Between 2013 and 2015, he held various roles in the Government of Italy with increasing responsibility both as Delegate Responsible for Expo Milano 2015 and Undersecretary of State of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. From 2014 to 2018, he was Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry in the Government of Italy.

He has joined FAO in 2021, at first as Special Adviser to the Director-General, Office of the Director-General, and then as Assistant Director-General, Office of the Director-General at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

He provides strategic direction and oversight over the Corporate Logistics and Operational Support Stream of the Organization and leads on FAO’s partnerships and cooperation with the Host Government, the European Union, as well as UN entities, civil society organizations, private sector and other non-state actors.