Read-out of bilateral meeting between FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, and Managing Director of Development Policy and Partnerships of the World Bank Group, Mari Pangestu

9 July 2021, Rome - The FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, and Mari Pangestu, Managing Director of Development Policy and Partnerships of the World Bank Group (WBG), met today to discuss collaboration between the two organizations.

The meeting reiterated the importance of the strong partnership between FAO and WBG, and the ongoing positive cooperation. FAO, through the FAO Investment Centre, and the World Bank have enjoyed a successful partnership through the joint Cooperative Programme for 57 years.

The Director-General and the Managing Director shared views on the importance of prevention, preparedness and response as essential elements of building holistically designed development programmes and policies, as well as building resilient agri-food systems able to address the many challenges faced by the agriculture sectors, in particular the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.

The Director-General shared with the Managing Director the recent FAO restructuring aimed at breaking down silos and creating a modular structure with an agile core leadership. The new set up includes specialized Centers and Offices able to provide Members with the appropriate policy and technical inputs and support. The Director-General also shared FAO’s new Strategic Framework for the next decade, recently endorsed by the FAO Conference, and explained how this will support the 2030 Agenda through the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, based on the principles of the “four betters” for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The Managing Director commended the Director-General for his vision and achievements. She noted that FAO is a valued partner for the WBG, with a wide range of collaborative projects that extend across the entire agri-food system, encompassing climate change, humanitarian support and other key areas.

The two also exchanged ideas on the importance of a holistic approach in addressing climate change and the post COVID-19 recovery phase, as well as the critical role of data and innovation in transforming the agri-food systems. Pangestu underlined the importance of knowledge and research and how she sees these as critical components for appropriate decision-making. The two also noted that digitalization is and will continue to play a key role in rural areas and in providing broader market access to small farmers. Important consideration was also given to food safety standards and traceability for agri-food systems transformation, in addition to green, resilient and inclusive agriculture.

The FAO Director-General and the Managing Director from the WBG agreed on the need for continued strong partnership through the many ongoing programmes, and the identification of new opportunities to support their respective Membership.