Celebrating World Food Day and the 80 years of FAO: Manneken-Pis joins the FAO Family
.jpg?sfvrsn=30a4bcac_1 "Celebrating World Food Day and the 80 years of FAO: Manneken-Pis joins the FAO Family")
16/10/2025
On 15 October 2025, the iconic Manneken Pis statue in Brussels was dressed as an FAO field expert to mark the Organization’s 80th Birthday on World Food Day 2025. This tribute, organized by the FAO Liaison Office in Brussels, celebrated the commitment of our colleagues working tirelessly on the field for Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life for all, leaving no one behind.
The costume handover ceremony took place at the historic Brussels City Hall, in the presence of Karine Lalieux, former federal minister and current Conseillère communale of the City of Brussels, alongside members of the Ordre des Amis de Manneken-Pis. The event drew a diverse and distinguished audience, including FAO Members Representatives, national and regional Belgian authorities, private sector representatives, academia and civil society.
The costume itself, inspired by the kit usually worn by FAO field experts, was tailored by Esmeralda Ammoun, a renowned designer for the Belgian Royal House.
We are deeply grateful to the City of Brussels and the Government of Belgium for embracing this initiative with such enthusiasm. Their support not only honors FAO’s legacy but also strengthens the enduring partnership between Belgium and the Organization.
The public can still admire the costume today, on World Food Day, after which it will join the over 1,000 costumes displayed at the dedicated Garderobe of the Manneken Pis Museum.
We are proud to see the FAO field expert outfit now part of this vibrant and historic collection, a lasting symbol of FAO’s presence and mission in the heart of Europe.
The costume handover ceremony took place at the historic Brussels City Hall, in the presence of Karine Lalieux, former federal minister and current Conseillère communale of the City of Brussels, alongside members of the Ordre des Amis de Manneken-Pis. The event drew a diverse and distinguished audience, including FAO Members Representatives, national and regional Belgian authorities, private sector representatives, academia and civil society.
The costume itself, inspired by the kit usually worn by FAO field experts, was tailored by Esmeralda Ammoun, a renowned designer for the Belgian Royal House.
We are deeply grateful to the City of Brussels and the Government of Belgium for embracing this initiative with such enthusiasm. Their support not only honors FAO’s legacy but also strengthens the enduring partnership between Belgium and the Organization.
The public can still admire the costume today, on World Food Day, after which it will join the over 1,000 costumes displayed at the dedicated Garderobe of the Manneken Pis Museum.
We are proud to see the FAO field expert outfit now part of this vibrant and historic collection, a lasting symbol of FAO’s presence and mission in the heart of Europe.