FAO and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis Forge Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding during the “Launch of Global Agro-Ecological Zoning Version 5,” which took place on 14 April 2025. The partnership combines the strengths of both organizations to address pressing challenges in agriculture, climate change, and natural resource management. This new collaboration builds upon a strong foundation of four decades of partnership between FAO and IIASA, and coincides with the celebration of FAO's 80th anniversary.

Multiple Synergies

The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration between the two entities, which is set to integrate data into agricultural models, develop capacities, monitor land and water resources in support of sustainable agricultural systems, enhance food security, improve the Global Agro-Ecological Zoning platform and create spatial modelling of livestock emissions. 

The collaboration will emphasize the design of support tools for decision-making, update and share critical global datasets, implement cutting-edge solutions for data processing and dissemination, and develop training materials and workshops. FAO and IIASA will additionally organize knowledge-sharing events and publish joint research, and specific projects will include the development of integrated applications to monitor natural resources and the assessment of innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture. 

Looking Forward 

As FAO and IIASA embark on this collaborative journey, both organizations are committed to fostering innovation, enhancing technical capacities and promoting sustainable practices in agriculture. The partnership not only aims to address immediate challenges but crucially contribute to long-term sustainability and resilience in agrifood systems. 

“This collaboration with IIASA represents a significant step forward in our efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and food security globally, implement the 2030 Agenda and FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031. By combining our strengths, we are better equipped to address the complex challenges of agriculture, climate change, and natural resource management. Together, we can develop innovative solutions that will ensure long-term sustainability and resilience in agrifood systems," emphasized Beth Bechdol, FAO Deputy Director-General.

“The partnership with FAO is an exciting opportunity to leverage our expertise in spatial data integration, modelling for sustainable development. This MoU provides a comprehensive framework for collaboration that will enhance our ability to monitor land and water resources, improve food security and develop cutting-edge decision support tools. We are committed to innovating and enhancing technical capacities to meet the pressing challenges of our time," iterated IIASA Director General, Hans Joachim Schellnhuber.

The MoU between FAO and IIASA exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships and the importance of integrated approaches in achieving global goals. The official signing date for this MoU will be announced shortly.