FAO’s Private Sector Advisory Group: Driving Dialogue, Sparking Solutions
Ending hunger is not the sole responsibility of governments or any one entity. The private sector – through its innovation, investment, and reach – has a vital role to play. To unite private sector entities with FAO to shape impactful solutions for the transformation of agrifood systems, FAO launched the Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG) in 2023.
A Platform with Purpose
PSAG brings together a diverse mix of private sector voices, united by a shared commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – especially SDG 2: Zero Hunger – and providing a space for strategic dialogue, co-creation and action.
Its members include 25 private sector entities representing a broad spectrum of actors – from farmers' organizations and micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises to large multinationals and industry associations. Together, they provide strategic input on how FAO can better tailor its outreach to different types of private entities, support SDG-aligned investments, and fine-tune its engagement approach to achieve meaningful results.
Through this platform, FAO is reinforcing its role as a convener, bringing together the people and ideas needed to transform agrifood systems for good.
Launching the Platform
At its inaugural meeting in January 2023, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu invited PSAG members to provide 'candid and honest' advice on how FAO could deepen its strategic partnerships with the private sector, emphasizing the importance of FAO’s four betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all – leaving no one behind.
From Dialogue to Action
Since its launch, PSAG has met five times – three of those in 2024 alone – demonstrating growing momentum and commitment. Each session has tackled a pressing issue:
- May 2024: Focused on SDG2: Zero Hunger, exploring how the private sector can contribute to ending hunger while aligning with climate goals.
- June 2024: Emphasized strategies to close investment gaps in agrifood systems, including blended finance and public-private collaboration models.
- September 2024: Highlighted the role of innovation, technology, and sustainable practices in transforming food systems and building resilience.
- October 2024: Reviewed the FAO Strategy for Private Sector Engagement (2021–2025), drawing lessons and identifying priorities for the next phase.
- March 2025: Launched consultations for the 2026–2030 Private Sector Engagement Strategy, focusing on multistakeholder mechanisms, stallholder farmers, innovation, climate action, inclusive value chains, sustainable finance, resilience and emergencies.
PSAG Contributions
The PSAG has engaged with key FAO initiatives, including the FAO Science and Innovation Strategy, the Global Dairy Impact report and Pathways to Dairy Net Zero projects. Members have helped develop analytical tools, participating in training sessions to strengthen FAO’s capacity to engage with the private sector and jointly guided future FAO-private sector collaboration.
Looking Ahead
As FAO shapes its next five-year strategy for private sector engagement, PSAG is providing valuable input to chart the course. Its insights are grounded in real-world experience and a shared belief that the private sector is a strategic partner in building a world free from hunger.
In 2025, FAO will convene additional PSAG sessions focused on emerging priorities. These will further strengthen the platform’s role as a catalyst for action, a forum for knowledge exchange, and a bridge between FAO and the business world.
