FAO Law Lectures

Background

The FAO Law Lecture is an annual flagship event organized by the FAO Legal Office as part of the celebrations of World Food Day. Conceived as a forum for reflection and exchange amongst the legal community, the Lecture aims to highlight the Organization’s contribution to the development of Public International Law and explores the role of law in advancing FAO’s mandate in food and agriculture. The Lecture provides insights into the normative functions of FAO, as well as the operations of an intergovernmental organization of the UN System which partners with all relevant stakeholders to deliver its mandate.

Each year, the Lecture has been delivered by a distinguished jurist, exploring key issues of Public International Law related to food security, sustainable agriculture and the right to adequate food. 

Over time, the FAO Law Lecture has evolved into a global platform engaging a diverse audience of legal professionals, academics, and students. It aims not only to promote dialogue on pressing legal challenges, but also to showcase the breadth of FAO’s legal work across areas such as environmental law, trade, human rights and international institutional law.

From 2026, the FAO Law Lecture will be delivered as the centrepiece event of an FAO International Law Day. The FAO International Law Days aim to strengthen engagement with academic institutions and the next generation of legal professionals.