Director-General of the FAO

Director-General of the FAO is the chief executive officer of the Food and Agriculture Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. The Director-General leads the organization's secretariat, headquartered in Rome, and is responsible for implementing the policies and programs set by its governing bodies. The office is central to global efforts on food security, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, working with member states and partners like the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

Role and responsibilities

The Director-General serves as the head of the FAO Secretariat and the chief administrative officer of the organization. Key duties include overseeing the implementation of the Strategic Framework and Program of Work and Budget approved by the FAO Conference. The incumbent directs the organization's work across its core objectives, such as eradicating hunger, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and managing natural resources like water and biodiversity. The role involves high-level advocacy, representing the FAO at major international forums like the G20 and the United Nations General Assembly, and fostering partnerships with entities such as the World Bank and the World Health Organization. The Director-General also manages the organization's response to crises, coordinating with bodies like the United Nations Security Council on issues affecting global food supply chains.

Election and term of office

The Director-General is elected by the FAO Conference, which consists of all member nations, through a secret ballot vote. The term of office is four years, and the incumbent may be re-elected for one additional consecutive term, as stipulated in the FAO Constitution. The election process is governed by the General Rules of the Organization, and candidates are typically nominated by member states. Historically, elections have seen competition among candidates from various regions, including Latin America, Asia, and Europe. The most recent election in 2019 saw Qu Dongyu of China succeed José Graziano da Silva of Brazil. The appointment requires a simple majority of votes cast by member states present at the Conference session in Rome.

List of Directors-General

Since the FAO's founding in 1945, there have been nine individuals to hold the office. The first Director-General was Sir John Boyd Orr of the United Kingdom, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who served from 1945 to 1948. Subsequent leaders have included Norris E. Dodd of the United States, Binay Ranjan Sen of India, and Addeke Hendrik Boerma of the Netherlands. Édouard Saouma of Lebanon served three terms from 1976 to 1993, a period marked by significant expansion of field programs. He was followed by Jacques Diouf of Senegal, who served from 1994 to 2011, overseeing initiatives like the International Alliance Against Hunger. José Graziano da Silva led from 2012 to 2019, championing the Zero Hunger goal. The current Director-General, Qu Dongyu, assumed office on 1 August 2019.

Relationship with FAO governance

The Director-General operates under the authority of the FAO Conference and reports to the FAO Council, which acts as the executive governing body between Conference sessions. The Director-General presents regular reports on the organization's activities, finances, and management to both the Council and the Conference. The office works closely with independent oversight bodies such as the Office of the Inspector General and the External Auditor. The Director-General also interacts with various statutory bodies, including the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Fisheries, to ensure technical programs align with member state priorities. This relationship is fundamental to the FAO's functioning as a member-driven organization within the United Nations system.

Historical development of the office

The office was established with the founding of the FAO in Quebec City in October 1945, following the United Nations Conference on Food and Agriculture. The early years under Sir John Boyd Orr focused on post-World War II reconstruction and establishing the organization's technical mandate. The tenure of Binay Ranjan Sen in the 1960s saw the launch of the Freedom from Hunger Campaign and a greater focus on developing countries. The 1974 World Food Conference in Rome led to an enhanced role for the Director-General in global food security coordination. The late 20th century and early 21st century witnessed the office navigating issues like structural adjustment, climate change, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Reforms under Directors-General like Jacques Diouf and José Graziano da Silva modernized the organization's management and sharpened its focus on eradicating hunger and rural poverty.

Category:Food and Agriculture Organization Category:United Nations officials