C44 SPECIAL EVENT Inauguration of the Netherlands Acceleration Zone Opening Remarks

Excellences,

Distinguished delegates of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Colleagues,

I wish to thank the Kingdom of the Netherlands for the generous contribution for the establishment of the Netherlands Acceleration Zone at FAO headquarters.

A cutting-edge space for collaboration and innovation, managed by the Office of Innovation.

The Netherlands Acceleration Zone is an important support to FAO’s mission to mainstream innovation as a driving force for real impact at scale.

It is a space where teams are empowered to conceive, experiment, collaborate, innovate and co-create breakthrough solutions to our most pressing challenges.

The Netherlands Acceleration Zone will transform the way we work together, learn together, grow together and collaborate together.

This space is built to the highest standards of client orientation, with a strong consideration of sustainability, taking concrete steps to reduce our carbon footprint.

Thanks to the generous support of the Dutch Government, FAO today inaugurates a unique hub, designed to foster innovation, collaboration and accelerated problem-solving.

This initiative will enhance FAO’s global teamwork and further strengthen support to Members.

Thank you to all involved in turning this vision into a reality.