FAO Global Agrifood Biotechnologies Conference
Biotechnologies for a Sustainable Future: Driving Agrifood Systems Transformation
Programme
16 - 18 june 2025, FAO, Rome
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)
Tuesday 17 June
12.45 - 13.30
Sheikh Zayed Centre
The side event will mark the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FAO and ICGEB. The purpose of the MoU is to identify genetic engineering and biotechnological solutions to transform agrifood systems by fostering technical collaboration in capacity development and technology transfer in innovative areas such as bioinoculants, microbiomes, biofertilizers, biopesticides, and biosafety. The partnership aims to leverage biotechnological innovations and shared expertise to address critical challenges in food security, environmental health, and sustainable development.
- Welcome and moderation
Mr Vincent Martin, Director, Office of Innovation, FAO, Rome - Highlights of FAO’s work on biotechnologies for agrifood systems transformation
Ms Beth Crawford, Chief Scientist a.i, FAO, Rome - Highlights of ICGEB’s work on biotechnology for sustainable agriculture and food security
Mr Lawrence Banks , Director-General, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy - Remarks on the partnership
Mr Alessandro Garbellini, Head of Space, Multilateral Science Diplomacy and Intellectual Property at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (TBC) - Objectives, Areas of Cooperation and impact indicators of MoU
Mr Selvaraju Ramasamy, Senior Agricultural Officer, Office of Innovation, FAO, Rome - Signing of the MoU between FAO and ICGEB
Ms Beth Crawford for FAO and Mr Lawrence Banks for ICGEB