Inauguration of the East Entrance (FAO Main Entrance) and Parking Building Speech

Good morning colleagues and friends!

I am so pleased and excited to be here with you this morning to inaugurate the new FAO Main Entrance and the three-story Parking Building, just before the start of the 179th Session of the FAO Council.

We have all been waiting eagerly for the completion of these works and I want to thank you for your solidarity, patience, and your passion as One FAO - one big family!

I always say that these two elements should always go hand in hand if you want to achieve success and create a completely new campus at FAO headquarters!

The construction of this three-story parking facility presented significant challenges, as work began only in early February this year.

Nevertheless, I am proud to say that we managed to complete the project within ten months in the heartland of Rome!

Our new FAO Main Entrance is the best in the UN family, located in a beautiful garden and equipped with advanced security access controls to ensure the safety of all staff and visitors, and it features decorative panels that display Roman-era structures discovered during the construction of the parking site.

The parking building is in fact constructed on a concrete slab above archaeological remains from the Roman era, which indicates respect for the traditional civilization.

In addition, the curtain walls of the parking building are covered in travertine marble, harmonizing with the architectural style of the FAO current buildings.

Sustainability has been a guiding principle throughout these projects, as with all the building work we have undertaken to renovate headquarters.

We prioritized the use of sustainable materials, and existing materials were re-used wherever possible.

Furthermore, registered visitors, as well as FAO staff, also have the opportunity in the east high side to enjoy a serene and beautiful experience in the newly landscaped FAO garden – which I hope you have all been enjoying!

FAO’s green spaces have more than doubled in size and now feature lower water consumption, supported by sponge city design.

I would like to thank our friends in the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation led by His Excellency Matteo Salvini, Vice Premier and Minister, of our host country Italy for their generous contribution, effective coordination and efficient deliverables, which has enabled the complete renovation of FAO headquarters.

I am very proud of our close relationship with Italy and with our host city Rome.

I also wish to thank all the external contractors for their technical proficiency and dedication.

Their expertise in problem-solving, adaptability to unforeseen challenges, and commitment to quality standards were essential for efficient project delivery.

I also wish to thank all the colleagues involved in the project, from Deputy Director-General Maurizio Martina, to Mr Rodrigo de Lapuaerta, Director of the Logistics Services Division, together with Ms Tina Mittendorf, Senior Facilities Manager, and Mr Piergiorgio Trentinaglia, Head of Security, and all the FAO team for their loyalty to my instructions, persistent commitment and for being tangible results oriented.

Now, I am delighted to officially open the new FAO Main Entrance (East Gate) and Parking building which landmarks the newly established FAO campus, together with the front garden, the FAO Food and Agriculture Museum and Network, and the Coffee Plaza!

Enjoy your work and stay in FAO!

Thank you.