FAO Director-General Advocates for New Social Pact to Transform Agrifood Systems

What's Happening?

FAO Director-General QU Dongyu has called for a New Social Pact aimed at transforming agrifood systems by integrating human, artificial, ecological, and social intelligence. This initiative was presented during a high-level roundtable at FAO's headquarters in Rome, organized by Coldiretti and the Roman Catholic Fratelli tutti Foundation. The event gathered religious leaders, international food experts, and Nobel Peace Prize laureates to discuss the convergence of various forms of intelligence to create agrifood systems that are efficient, sustainable, inclusive, and just. QU Dongyu emphasized the urgency of this transformation, citing the FAO's latest report which indicates that 677 million people faced hunger in 2024, a significant increase from previous years. The New Social Pact is proposed to align intelligences around four core pillars: Fraternity, Food, Technology, and Regeneration, with the right to food being a fundamental human right.

Why It's Important?

The call for a New Social Pact by the FAO Director-General highlights the critical need to address global hunger and food insecurity, which affects millions worldwide. By aligning various forms of intelligence, the initiative aims to create agrifood systems that are not only productive but also equitable and sustainable. This approach could potentially empower smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, and responsibly harness technologies like Artificial Intelligence. The emphasis on ethical values such as spirituality, dignity, and care in agrifood systems could lead to more inclusive and just food production practices. The initiative underscores the interconnectedness of food security with peace and stability, suggesting that achieving food security is contingent upon global peace.

What's Next?

The FAO is committed to supporting its members in producing more with fewer resources and valuing local and traditional knowledge. The organization plans to continue empowering smallholder farmers and responsibly harnessing technologies. The New Social Pact aims to foster global cooperation and co-creation to ensure no one is left behind in the pursuit of food security. Future steps may involve further collaboration with international stakeholders and the integration of ethical values into agrifood systems. The initiative could lead to policy changes and increased investment in sustainable food production practices.

Beyond the Headlines

The New Social Pact proposed by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu could have long-term implications for global food systems. By integrating ethical values and diverse forms of intelligence, the initiative may lead to a shift in how food security is approached, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability. The focus on fraternity and regeneration could foster a more collaborative and sustainable approach to food production, potentially influencing global policies and practices. This initiative may also highlight the role of technology in addressing food insecurity, encouraging responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence in agrifood systems.