Conferment Ceremony of the Agricola Medal to His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein Statement

Your Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning,

Al-salam Alykom

I am deeply honoured to present today the FAO Agricola Medal to His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan.

The medal is a recognition to the exceptional leadership and vision of His Majesty over the past 26 years in leading country efforts to transform Jordan’s agrifood system to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable,

To ensure a more equitable system, which is deeply rooted in a noble commitment to human dignity and prosperity – not just in Jordan, but across the region, and worldwide, thereby ensuring global food security.

His Majesty has positioned Jordan as a regional leader in food security through strategic domestic initiatives and international partnerships, addressing challenges like water scarcity, climate change, and regional instability,

Through a comprehensive approach that integrates enabling policies, science and technology, and cross-border cooperation.

As the son of a rice farmer, I learned early in life the importance of food security and basic dignity. My career as a biologist further deepened my understanding of the critical role that science and innovation plays in shaping our lives and our future.

Throughout my professional journey I have always firmly believed that resilient agrifood systems are the foundation of stable societies and thriving economies, and I am honoured to share this conviction, commitment and passion with His Majesty.

Your Majesty,

This award is a testament to Jordan's remarkable progress in the face of many challenges, and, most importantly, to Your Majesty's steadfast leadership and dedication to global food security and sustainable agriculture.

A commitment that aligns with FAO’s mandate, and our aspiration of the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life - leaving no-one behind, which is the foundation of the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31, endorsed by all FAO Members, and which guides the work of the Organization over the next decade.

Your Majesty’s personal commitment to global food security, despite the challenges of severe water scarcity at national and regional level, as well as the extensive impacts of the climate crisis and other global challenges affecting the world such as protracted conflicts and war, economic downturns and the ongoing effects of the pandemic, is truly commendable.

It reflects Your Majesty’s forward-thinking leadership, strategic planning and the Jordanian nation's resilience.

FAO will continue to deepen its strategic partnership with Jordan, working together to realize initiatives under Your Majesty’s leadership, such as Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision that champions the inclusion of food security as a key pillar, and emphasizes sectoral growth and export promotion to global markets, as well as the country’s National Food Security Strategy, including the Higher Food Security Council, to accelerate implementation and ensure effective coordination in key areas of water-smart agriculture and climate-resilient practices.

Your Majesty’s leadership has led to agricultural innovation and infrastructure development, including the establishment of a National Seed Bank to preserve plant genetic data for agricultural sustainability and climate resilience, digital farm registries, and water-efficient technologies to meet global market standards.

Furthermore, investment mobilization under Your Majesty’s leadership has leveraged public-private partnerships to attract financing for agricultural development.

FAO is committed to continue building on Your Majesty’s leadership, and I wish to also affirm my personal commitment as FAO Director-General to continue supporting Your Majesty.

By further strengthening our collaboration, we can continue working to leverage Jordan's rich agricultural heritage, for the benefit of all the people of Jordan, the region, and beyond.

Your Majesty,

In recognition of Your Majesty’s passionate leadership and commitment in successfully positioning Jordan as a Food Security Hub in the region, and beyond,

And for Your Majesty’s long-standing, profound and impactful contributions to the well-being of Jordan, especially the most vulnerable, as well as your positive impact across the region,

It is my distinct honour and privilege to present the FAO Agricola Medal to Your Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan in recognition of Your Majesty’s legacy, which extends well beyond the national borders, and has positively influenced the global food security architecture for almost three decades.

Thank you.