CL 176 Innovation Award Ceremony Opening Remarks

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Colleagues,

The FAO Innovation Award Ceremony honours individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence and innovation in transforming global agrifood systems.

Innovation is the driving force behind progress, supporting the transformation of our agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable. Helping to lift millions of people out of poverty and helping the world to achieve food security and the SDGs.

Today, we celebrate Freza Nanotech, a pioneering start-up from Uganda, as the recipient of the FAO Innovation Award, in recognition of their groundbreaking solutions developed to address critical challenges in agrifood systems through innovative approaches that are improving production systems, while addressing environmental challenges faced by smallholder farmers.

Their efforts demonstrate that agrifood systems can be both productive and sustainable, contributing to better nutrition and improved livelihoods in Uganda and beyond.

Showcasing best practices and innovative solutions like those of Freza Nanotech is important because of their positive impact on production, nutrition, environment and livelihoods, and their contribution to the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life – leaving no one behind.

They inspire others and remind us that progress is achievable.

As we celebrate this achievement, let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting innovators and fostering partnerships that drive the change we need.

Working together, supporting one another, we can create a future where no one is left behind, for people and the planet.

Congratulations once again!

Thank you.