WFD 2024 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - 80 -1 Countdown Exhibit (Marble Staircase, Building B, Ground Floor) Speaking Points

Excellences,

Distinguished Participants,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

I am very pleased to inaugurate the first level of the 80 -1 Anniversary Countdown exhibit, celebrating FAO’s key moments from its first decade.

In 1943, during World War II, the United Nations Conference on Food and Agriculture in Hot Springs, Virginia, in the United States, set the stage for the creation of FAO.

Born on 16 October 1945, FAO emerged from a shared hope - a hope embraced by its founding Members who are with us today.

This hope was enshrined in FAO’s Constitution—a commitment to improving nutrition, increasing food production, enhancing rural livelihoods, and striving for a world free from hunger.

I would like to express my gratitude to the Director-General for International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy and His Excellency the Permanent Representative of Italy to FAO for being here with us today.

I also welcome His Excellency the Permanent Representative of the United States, as the host of the historic Hot Springs Conference, and recalling that the United States hosted FAO's first headquarters before its relocation to Rome in 1951.

I also wish to thank the Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada for being here today, as we remember that Canada is where the Constitution was signed in 1945.

During its earliest years, FAO’s membership expanded, reflecting a shared vision to place food security at the center of the global agenda.

As we celebrate the establishment of FAO on 16 October 1945 - 8 eight days before that of the United Nations - we also highlight the importance of World Food Day.

The proposal for World Food Day to be celebrated annually on 16 October was put forward in 1979 by the then Minister of Agriculture of Hungary, as it is the day that the FAO Constitution was signed.

I wish to thank the Deputy Permanent Representative of Hungary for joining us today as we remember this important proposal put forward by his country.

During the World Food Day ceremony, a short while ago, we heard a special message read on behalf of His Holiness Pope Francis, championing for a food-secure world.

I would also like to recognize the Holy See, an important Permanent Observer since FAO’s first decade.

Dear Friends,

With hope comes a sense of unity and a drive for action.

This exhibit reminds us that each of our actions contributes to the Four Betters - better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all, leaving no one behind.

Let’s celebrate FAO’s rich history and share our vision for a sustainable food future through the 80 -1 Countdown experience leading up to FAO’s 80th anniversary on 16 October 2025.

Thank you.