Beyza Binnur Dönmez
12 October 2026•Update: 12 October 2026
The head of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Monday called for greater investment in innovation, technology, and young people to transform global food systems amid mounting environmental and agricultural challenges.
Addressing the opening of the 2026 World Food Forum in Rome, Qu Dongyu stressed the need to accelerate efforts to address declining agricultural productivity, biodiversity loss, and growing pressure on water resources.
“We have to do more and better at scale,” he said, stressing innovation in technology, business models, and international cooperation.
Qu highlighted the role of artificial intelligence, digital tools, and scientific advances in developing sustainable agricultural solutions.
He said the FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Forum already has $7.88 billion committed and under negotiation to support agricultural development and rural economies.
He also emphasized investing in young people, particularly young women, to strengthen their participation and leadership in food systems.
The World Food Forum network has expanded to more than 100 national youth chapters, he noted.
Meloni calls for stronger food security partnerships with Africa
In a video message to the forum, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described food security as “one of the greatest global challenges,” warning that wars have demonstrated its importance for national stability.
She said 645 million people still suffer from hunger worldwide, with the largest number living in Africa.
Meloni highlighted Italy’s Mattei Plan, aimed at reducing malnutrition, creating jobs for young people, and strengthening climate-resilient agriculture across Africa.
She stressed the importance of partnerships between Europe and Africa to boost local food production and self-sufficiency.
“Italy feels a responsibility to promote the link between Europe and Africa through partnerships founded on reciprocity and shared growth,” the premier said. “Food security is not just about producing food but about empowering nations to produce, process, and distribute it autonomously.”