The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has signed today a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) to foster the development of agriculture, forestry and fishery focusing on aspects related to science, technology, knowledge, culture and heritage, among the two Organizations’ Members.

Through the MoU, FAO and ICESCO will collaborate on consolidating, improving and sharing knowledge, science and innovation in the fight against food insecurity, management of natural resources and the transition towards sustainable food systems. Focus will also be given towards joint resource mobilization for sustainable food and agriculture.

With joint efforts, both organizations will focus on promoting the creation of innovative start-ups to develop the entrepreneurship of women and young people in sectors with high growth potential. In addition, a special focus will be given to awareness raising and capacity building activities to catalyse a global engagement towards the conservation and valorisation of agricultural heritage worldwide.

FAO and ICESCO will carry out the cooperation through a broad range of activities, including capacity building, knowledge exchange, provision of resources and development of financing initiatives for the advancement of their common goals and objectives – the development of sustainable of agrifood systems.