4th INTERGENERATIONAL DIALOGUE 2025 Opening Remarks

Dear Young and Young-at-Heart Colleagues,

Welcome everyone to the fourth Intergenerational Dialogue!

I support the idea that an intergenerational gap exists not only in large organizations like FAO, but also in small organizations and even within families.

I try to be friends with my daughter and my grandson, knowing that there is a generational gap between us.

When I arrived at FAO, I noticed a gap between management and staff, as well as between the Members and Senior Management. For a large team to function well and behave like a family, it is essential to understand one another's roles. We should all try to do our best, regardless of whether we are American, Chinese, Peruvian, or from any other background. Our diverse cultural, religious, and educational experiences, along with our individual characteristics, all contribute to our collective strength.

This is my original idea, and I would like to share it with you. In 2005, nearly 20 years ago, I was working at the Three Gorges Dam, which employed 32,000 staff from various backgrounds, including Chinese, European, American, and Japanese, among others. I noticed a significant gap between the different cultures and backgrounds. As a result, I realized that we should utilize intergenerational dialogue to promote understanding, not just between generations, but also within them.

After this fourth edition of the FAO Intergenerational Dialogue, I see increased progress towards our goals. I now perceive FAO as being more family oriented.

We have made many structural changes, from the cafeteria to our living spaces, to create an environment that encourages us to live better together under one shared roof. What does "one shared roof" mean? It means that it is a special space for family members.

I always appreciate the opportunity for us to come together, to work together, to think together, to learn together, to grow together and to contribute together to FAO’s mandate.

As we prepare to celebrate FAO’s 80th Anniversary, working together, hand in hand, to turn challenges into opportunities has never been more important.

Eighty years may not seem like a long time, especially when you consider that the Chrysanthemum Stone we unveiled this morning in the new FAO gardens took 200 million years to form. However, when compared to the human lifespan, 80 years is still above average.

I believe that at 80 years old, we need to think collaboratively and consider retreating and recycling. That is why we at FAO feel fortunate; we began this change six years ago.

Yesterday, I returned from the IAEA, where we cut the ribbon for a new laboratory building and greenhouse. Previously, Assistant Director-General, and Chief Scientist ad interim, Ms Beth Crawford, as well as CSH-Director Serge Nakouzi, have also visited as a sign of our ongoing collaboration for the replenishment and renovation of our Joint Centre.

USD 40 million was invested to completely upgrade the Joint Centre. To be honest, at FAO do not have the capacity to make such a large investment on infrastructure. However, we do possess significant technical expertise that we can contribute. I sincerely appreciate the collaboration of my colleagues and the IAEA Director-General Mr Rafael Grossi, as well as the support from the Members. This collaboration allows us to benefit from the valuable experiences that already exist within the UN System.

Please do not engage in any revolutionary actions; instead, let's focus on exchanging ideas and collaborating. This way, we can make progress together for the next 80 years, or at least the next 20 years. I hope we can return to celebrate the 100th anniversary. For those who are currently over 60 years old, reaching 80-plus years is quite normal.

I invited the Holy Father to join us for this year’s celebration. I suggested, “Let’s celebrate together for the 100th anniversary.” Even after I retire, I will encourage the then Director-General to extend an invitation for us to attend.

This is something that is close to my heart, and I feel young at heart. When I speak, I always express myself with the energy of youth, as it provides me with a sense of dynamism.

Working hand in hand and sharing intergenerational knowledge is essential to building a better future and a better FAO.

We need to respect each other. I emphasize respect and understanding, like a big family, building a balanced culture across generations with young people driving change.

Just this morning, I said that the Chrysanthemum Stone represents Yang and the Fountain represents Yin. Now, there is balance in front of our gate, the Yin and the Yang.

There are also two bamboo pavilions: one represents harmony, symbolizing Yang, while the other represents a battlefield, showcasing games such as international chess, Chinese chess and black-and-white chess. These are the three most popular chess games in the world for international competitions. At FAO, we recognized the need for a chess game that embodies harmony, where East meets West and the South balances with the North—reflecting the principles of Yin and Yang.

Multiculturalism teaches that no region—be it East, West, or South—is superior. Instead, we should learn from each other and find balance.

While always remembering the importance of respecting our seniors, whose experience we need to treasure.

I have often said that senior individuals can share valuable lessons with us, helping us to avoid mistakes that should not be repeated. Some may think, “Oh, that was 20 years ago,” referring to their own experiences. You might remember that your parents warned you about similar situations that you did not take seriously. Yes, that was your parents' experience from 20 years ago. However, when parents or seniors share their insights about potential mistakes, it means that the same thing could happen again if we're not careful. I've always tried to avoid significant errors by learning from the lessons and experiences of others.

Today, our ‘young at heart’ panelist is Rakesh Muthoo - “Are you a senior? You feel young at heart, don't you? I still believe that you are young.” - who will be joined by six ‘young’ colleagues representing headquarters and each of our regional offices. They reflect the extensive range of the Organization’s work and the vital energy they bring to FAO.

As we prepare for the World Food Forum 2025 next week - with its three pillars: the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum, the Science and Innovation Forum, and the Global Youth Forum - we can feel the energy.

Energy that helps keep FAO at the center of the international dialogue around agrifood systems transformation.  It is now even stronger within the UN system. You can see it clearly. I am proud of you. Together, regardless of age, we are leading this change.

Next week, on 16 October – on World Food Day - we will celebrate FAO’s 80th Birthday!

A historic milestone that makes us proud of what we have done over the past 80 years and provides an important stepping-stone into the future – for us to do even better and achieve even greater results.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the FAO Food and Agriculture Museum and Network will officially open its doors here at headquarters. Once again, we see the connection between traditional food and agricultural technologies, and their relevance for the future.

For example, it is no longer straightforward to determine the best agricultural university in the United States, especially when considering traditional agriculture. Thirty years ago, answering this question was much easier. Nowadays, I consulted DDG Beth Bechdol who mentioned that the best choice really depends on the specific subject you intend to study. This uncertainty applies not only to the United States but also to China; we still don’t have a clear answer as to which agricultural university is the best.

So, that is the Museum and Network. I always refer to it as a network, which not only links the traditional village but also connects to the most advanced technology available.  

In India, we were not aware of the various universities, CGIAR, and other research institutes. However, FAO can provide a platform to promote these institutions, allowing younger generations to learn about them and choose what interests them.

FAO should be viewed as a knowledge hub, not just for publications, which the Chief Economist Maximo Torero oversees. They publish the SOFIA, SOFA, and SOFO. However, we need to strengthen FAO's platform as a comprehensive knowledge hub.

Now, I will explain why the FAO Museum and Network are important. Many people think that a museum is simply a place to showcase valuable objects and art. While this describes a traditional museum, there is a new type of museum that serves a different purpose. Additionally, it is essential to transform the FAO Library into a part of the museum, making it a knowledge hub once again.

Otherwise, nobody would visit the library, not even online. I remember in the 1990s when I was at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, working on transforming traditional books into digital formats. At that time, there weren't many digital books available. Now, however, there are plenty of digital books. The question is, how can you attract people to visit your library?

If we establish the Museum and Network, people will seek knowledge through special publications previously released by FAO in the last decade.

It will be a permanent exhibition and educational space open to all.

Tomorrow, across the road from FAO headquarters, the First FAO Global Exhibition “From Seeds to Foods” is being held.

Over the past three years, the Italian farmers' organization, Coldiretti, dedicated a week to showcase their own seeds. This year, they are featuring horses instead, which is phenomenal. This indicates that FAO has now become the focal point in Rome. Initially, there was reluctance to develop a cohesive collaboration with FAO, but now they have established a strong connection. Activities are now linked with FAO during the week of the World Food Forum - FAO's highlight of the year!

I encourage you to visit them both, as well as others.

Dear colleagues,

This year’s Intergenerational Dialogue theme is 'Colleagues working hand in hand’ and I look forward to hearing your thoughts and to exchanging ideas and views.

Team members should collaborate closely, engaging in direct communication.

Many people tend to isolate themselves. While some may prefer not to engage in conversations, they often communicate through platforms like WeChat, TikTok, or WhatsApp, even if they are just next door. However, they rarely meet face-to-face. In face-to-face conversations, you can experience a deeper connection, as you can perceive the interaction in three dimensions.

Therefore, I encourage everyone to have a discussion, if possible, as we have created many spaces in front of the garden.

Once they are finished, there will be no cars, bicycles, or interruptions. Everything has been cleaned up in the eastern part.

So, you can have a cup of tea or coffee and chat. This is what it means to work hand in hand, to talk with each other and to understand.

Assistant Director-General Manuel Barange mentioned that his wife is a psychologist. The environment in which psychologists operate is centered on a profound understanding of psychological behavior. Understanding psychological behavior is very important, and people need to discuss mental health.

Mental health requires a positive environment, including both natural and social aspects.

That's why the FAO strongly encourages you to share your challenges with family and loved ones, as you can trust their support and understanding.

FAO encourages everyone to seek friends for psychological support. Connecting with those who care can make a significant difference during tough times.

Everyone can share a smile, and when someone isn't feeling cheerful, they can seek the company of someone who radiates happiness. This represents the profound impact and absolute power of a positive work environment.

But this exchange does not end today!

It is a dialogue that must continue in your offices, in the cafeteria, in the field. Make the most of your travel time and engage in meaningful conversations after meetings

Dear Colleagues,

We have the collective wisdom of over 17 000 people in our Organization. We need the most qualified staff to achieve our common mission because it is not finished yet.

We must make the most of this rich baggage to help vulnerable populations to achieve real progress, and to provide support to the farmers and consumers of the world.

Let us always remember our shared responsibility to build a dynamic FAO for a better future for all.

Everyone can contribute to the Renaissance of FAO – by playing their part in this One FAO Family!

In today’s complex world, marked by complex challenges, the need for FAO has never been greater.

We need to continue working together to turn these complex challenges into great opportunities for all!

To achieve this, we need to work hand in hand!

Treat each other with respect and walk the talk!

Thank you so much!