Rome Botanical Gardens Inauguration of the World Food Forum Forest Art Exhibition Remarks

Ladies and gentlemen

Dear Guests and Colleagues,

I am delighted to inaugurate the World Food Forum 2024 Forest Exhibition, here at the beautiful Rome Botanical Gardens. 

Since the establishment of the World Food Forum, my vision has always been to engage and empower our youth to achieve the transformation of global agrifood systems.

And today, right here in this oasis of biodiversity and life, we are taking another step forward towards achieving that vision.

Culture is a powerful catalyst that has the ability to inspire the younger generation, and light up their passion to work together for a better and more sustainable future.

For this reason, I am so proud to bring to you an extraordinary art exhibition of a creative and talented young Brazilian-Italian artist, Lucas Memmola.

This collaboration between Lucas and the World Food Forum showcases the artistic brilliance of our youth and serves as an innovative way to communicate the importance and complexity of forests and Indigenous Peoples, and their indispensable role in our ecosystem.

The Rome Botanical Gardens is the perfect setting for this exhibition.

These gardens are a living testament to the wonder and diversity of our planet's flora and fauna, a testament to the web of life that we are striving to protect and nurture. Here, in the beauty of nature, we find the perfect backdrop to celebrate and strengthen the voices of our youth, who represent the future of our planet.

And in our continued partnership with La Sapienza University, we are dedicated to creating these unique moments that not only emphasize the vital role of our youth, but also highlight the Four Betters which are at the foundation of all of FAO’s work: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life – leaving no one behind.

But this exhibition is more than just a beautiful display of art and nature. It is a perfect example of effective, efficient and coherent collaboration.

The World Food Forum, together with EIT Food, harnessed the power of synergy to bring this exhibition to life and to demonstrate the importance of respecting our forests and their role in agrifood systems.

I now invite you to join us as we inaugurate this unique and inspiring World Food Forum art exhibition!

I look forward to seeing you all at the World Food Forum next week from 14 to 18 October at FAO Headquarters here in Rome with the theme: "Good food for all, for today and tomorrow."  

Enjoy the exhibition!

Thank you.