FAO Strengthens Collaboration with Rotary at Cairo Event on Nutrition and Food Security

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reaffirmed its deepening partnership with Rotary International during the Rotary Foundation Annual Seminar 2025, bringing together government leaders, diplomates, business figures, and developmental organizations. 

FAO’s participation underscored the growing synergy between both organizations as they work together to improve nutrition, strengthen community resilience, and advance sustainable food systems across Egypt.

“FAO and Rotary share the goal of improving lives and empowering communities. Rotary’s volunteer network, combined with FAO’s technical expertise, supports vulnerable populations by promoting better nutrition and resilient food systems,” said Abdelhakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, during his keynote address in the event.

The event emphasized the shared commitment to empowering communities through practical, locally driven solutions. FAO underscored that Rotary’s ability to mobilize citizens at the grassroots level enhances the reach and impact of its own work, particularly in rural and vulnerable areas where community engagement is essential.

Discussions reflected on the long history of FAO–Rotary collaboration, from Rotary’s involvement in the founding of the United Nations to its support for FAO’s TeleFood Initiative, which helped implement hundreds of community micro-projects worldwide. This longstanding partnership now serves as the foundation for expanding joint action in Egypt, where both organizations aim to strengthen nutrition education, promote diversified diets, empower women, and build climate-resilient livelihoods.

FAO also highlighted the promising potential of the Food Plant Solutions Rotary Action Group (FPS), which develops educational materials on nutritious local plants. FAO noted the relevance of these resources for nutrition-sensitive agriculture efforts in Egypt, offering families practical guidance on improving diets using accessible, culturally familiar crops.

The event further recognized Rotary’s engagement in climate-focused activities such as tree planting and community-based environmental restoration—initiatives that align closely with FAO’s focus on climate-smart agriculture and ecosystem rehabilitation.

FAO renewed its commitment to continue supporting Rotary clubs across Egypt through technical guidance, community training, and evidence-based tools that can help accelerate progress toward national food security and nutrition goals.

“Local action, backed by strong partnerships, creates lasting change. Collaboration between FAO, Rotary, UNICEF, and WHO shows what is possible when expertise, commitment, and community engagement align to transform food systems, strengthen resilience, and ensure access to nutritious food and dignified lives,” concluded Elwaer.