Qu Dongyu

Qu Dongyu is a renowned Chinese diplomat and agricultural expert who has been serving as the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations since 2019. Qu's appointment was endorsed by the FAO Conference, which is the highest governing body of the organization, comprising representatives from member states such as China, United States, India, Brazil, and EU member states like France, Germany, and Italy. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the organization's strategic direction, particularly in areas like Sustainable agriculture, Rural development, and Food security, in collaboration with other UN agencies like the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Qu's vision for the FAO is closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), which are also supported by organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Bank.

● Early Life and Education

Qu Dongyu was born in Ningxia Province, China, and pursued his higher education at the Northwest Agricultural University in Yangling, Shaanxi Province, where he earned a degree in Agronomy. He later obtained his Master's degree in Agricultural Economics from the Huazhong Agricultural University in Wuhan, Hubei Province, and his Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the China Agricultural University in Beijing. Qu's academic background and research experience have been influenced by prominent scholars and institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China, as well as international organizations like the International Rice Research Institute and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research.

● Career

Qu Dongyu's professional career spans over three decades, during which he has held various leadership positions in China's agricultural sector, including Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Director-General of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. He has also served as a senior official in the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, working closely with other government agencies like the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce. Qu's expertise in agricultural development, Rural poverty reduction, and Food safety has been recognized by international organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the World Trade Organization, as well as by countries like Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

● Director-General of

the Food and Agriculture Organization As the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization, Qu Dongyu has been instrumental in promoting Sustainable agriculture practices, improving Food security, and reducing Hunger and Malnutrition globally, in partnership with organizations like the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the World Food Programme, and the United Nations Development Programme. He has also emphasized the importance of Climate change mitigation and adaptation in the agricultural sector, working closely with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Qu's leadership has been recognized by world leaders, including the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, as well as by other international organizations like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

● Policies and Initiatives

Under Qu Dongyu's leadership, the Food and Agriculture Organization has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting Sustainable agriculture practices, improving Rural development, and enhancing Food security, including the FAO's Strategic Framework 2022-2031 and the Global Action Plan for Healthy Lives and Well-being for All. These initiatives have been developed in collaboration with other UN agencies, such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, and the United Nations Environment Programme, as well as with international organizations like the World Trade Organization, the International Labour Organization, and the World Intellectual Property Organization. Qu has also emphasized the importance of Digital agriculture and Innovation in the agricultural sector, working with countries like United States, China, and India to promote the use of Artificial intelligence, Blockchain, and other digital technologies in agriculture.

● International Relations and Cooperation

As Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization, Qu Dongyu has strengthened partnerships with member states, International organizations, and Civil society organizations to address global challenges in the agricultural sector, including Food insecurity, Climate change, and Biodiversity loss. He has also promoted South-South cooperation and Triangular cooperation to support the development of Agriculture and Rural areas in Developing countries, working closely with organizations like the African Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States. Qu's efforts have been recognized by world leaders, including the President of China, Xi Jinping, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, as well as by other international organizations like the European Union, the African Development Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank.