On 28 October, FAO broke new ground with a panel discussion on “The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Realizing the Right to Food for All.” For the first time in FAO’s history, the panel was led entirely by representatives from Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs), a milestone in strengthening partnerships beyond the state and amplifying diverse voices to advance food security for all. As Rome celebrates a Jubilee Year, FAO welcomed FBOs from diverse religious traditions to its headquarters for the discussion exploring ways in which FBOs contribute to inclusive food systems, advocate for food security...

Six months after its launch, the FAO - PAFO Youth Mentorship Programme is approaching a powerful milestone: the final pitching event in Kigali, Rwanda. This marks the culmination of a transformative journey that has empowered 42 young agripreneurs from across Africa to lead inclusive agrifood systems transformation. Launched in April 2025, the pilot programme is a joint initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO), designed to equip youth with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to thrive in agriculture. With 28 seasoned mentors...

FAO and the Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO) have launched the first edition of the Youth Mentorship Programme, a joint pilot initiative designed to empower young African agricultural producers with the skills, knowledge and connections they need to lead inclusive agrifood systems transformation. Following a virtual orientation and pairing of mentors and mentees in late April, the structure, objectives and expectations of the programme were unveiled, marking the official start of an ambitious three-month journey that brings together 28 experienced mentors and 42 dynamic young mentees from across Africa. “Young farmers are not just...

Rome, Italy. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Society of Zoological Sciences (ISZS) have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to enhance international cooperation and academic exchange in support of sustainable consumption and production, in line with the One Health approach and FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022–31. The signatories were Dr Thanawat Tiensin, FAO Assistant Director-General and Director of the Animal Production and Health Division, and Dr Zhibin Zhang, ISZS Representative and Member of the Executive Committee. Through this collaboration, FAO and ISZS aim...