José Graziano da Silva
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| José Graziano da Silva | |
|---|---|
| Name | José Graziano da Silva |
| Caption | Graziano da Silva in 2018 |
| Birth date | 17 November 1949 |
| Birth place | Urbana, Illinois, United States |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Alma mater | University of São Paulo, University of Campinas |
| Occupation | Agronomist, academic |
| Known for | Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (2012–2019), Architect of Fome Zero |
| Spouse | Paola Ligasacchi |
José Graziano da Silva is a Brazilian agronomist, academic, and former international civil servant who served as the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) from 2012 to 2019. He is widely recognized for his pivotal role in designing and implementing Brazil's landmark Fome Zero (Zero Hunger) program under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, which significantly reduced hunger and poverty in the country. His tenure at FAO was marked by a strong focus on sustainable agriculture, climate change resilience, and the eradication of hunger and malnutrition globally, advocating for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its associated Sustainable Development Goals.
Early life and education
Born in Urbana, Illinois in the United States, he moved to Brazil as an infant. He completed his undergraduate studies in agronomy at the University of São Paulo's Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture. He later earned a master's degree in economics and rural sociology and a doctorate in economic sciences from the University of Campinas. His academic work focused on rural development and agrarian issues, laying the foundation for his future career in food security policy.
Career at FAO
His international career with the Food and Agriculture Organization began in 2006 when he was appointed as the Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean. Based in Santiago, he was responsible for FAO's operations and policy advice across the region. In this role, he championed initiatives to strengthen family farming and promote food security policies, building on his experience from Brazil. His work helped position him as a leading candidate for the organization's top leadership position.
Director-General of FAO (2012–2019)
Elected in June 2011, he began his first term as Director-General in January 2012, succeeding Jacques Diouf. He was re-elected for a second term in 2015. His leadership emphasized a shift towards sustainable food systems, notably promoting the International Year of Family Farming in 2014. He spearheaded major institutional reforms to improve FAO's efficiency and championed the integration of nutrition and social protection into food security agendas. Key initiatives under his watch included the FAO–China South-South Cooperation programme and a strong advocacy push for the Paris Agreement on climate change, highlighting its critical links to agriculture and hunger.
Post-FAO career and other roles
Following his tenure at FAO, he has remained active in global food policy circles. He serves as a Senior Advisor to the World Food Programme and is a Special Ambassador for the FAO for the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables 2021. He holds a professorship at the University of São Paulo and is a frequent speaker at international forums, including the World Economic Forum and the Committee on World Food Security. He also contributes to the Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition and the Food and Land Use Coalition.
Awards and recognition
He has received numerous accolades for his contributions to food security. These include Brazil's highest civilian honor, the Order of the Southern Cross, and the Order of Rio Branco. He was awarded the World Food Prize in 2021, jointly with David Nabarro, for his leadership in fighting hunger. Other recognitions include the Águila Azteca from Mexico and the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize from UNESCO.
Personal life
He is married to Italian-born architect Paola Ligasacchi. Fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and Italian, his multicultural background has informed his international perspective. An avid reader, he maintains a strong commitment to academic writing and public discourse on sustainable development issues beyond his official duties.
Category:1949 births Category:Living people Category:Brazilian agronomists Category:Food and Agriculture Organization officials Category:University of São Paulo alumni Category:World Food Prize laureates