Dr Patrice Talla presenting during one of the experience sharing sessions at the Diplomat Business Networking Club @FAO/Kevin

FAO recognized for outstanding contribution to food security and climate action

HARARE, 7 December 2022 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and FAO Representative to Zimbabwe Dr Patrice Talla was honoured with a diplomatic leadership award for outstanding contribution to food security and climate action in Zimbabwe. The prestigious award was presented by the Diplomat Business Networking Club during the 10th edition of the Annual Diplomat of the Year Awards ceremony held in Harare attended by more than 100 diplomats, UN representatives, business executives and Senior Government officials.

“I am honoured to receive this special recognition. This is not an individual award, but a reflection of the collective efforts of FAO, Government of Zimbabwe and development partners in response to food security and climate action challenges facing the country,” said Dr Patrice Talla in his remarks when he received the award.

The Diplomat of the Year Awards are presented to outstanding diplomats who have represented their countries and organizations well, demonstrated a passion to make a positive impact on the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans and also related well with other ambassadors. A Nomination Committee chaired by the Chairman of the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy, made up of journalists, civic society and business representatives select the winners.

“Dr Talla has been outstanding on this platform. He has been leading and presenting how FAO is implementing programmes aimed at transforming agrifood systems and interventions that build people’s resilience against climate change in Zimbabwe and the region at large. This is a token of appreciation by the Diplomat Business Networking Club for the industrious efforts that he has been leading from the front,” said Reginald Chapfunda, the DBNC Founder confirming why Dr Talla deserved to receive this award.   

Established by the Diplomacy Appreciation Trust (DAT), the Diplomat Business Networking Club is a platform to present a unique opportunity to network with global leaders, cement collaborations and share knowledge and experiences as the country strengthens its effort to achieve the 2030 national agenda. During the year, Dr Patrice Talla attended various networking events presenting FAO’s strategies and initiatives as a practical means to foster partnerships anchored on transforming Zimbabwe’s agrifood systems.

This award comes at an opportune time when this week, FAO and the Government of Zimbabwe signed a five year Country Programming Framework (CPF 2022-2026) which articulates FAO’s strategic thrust to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.