Who leads the FAO?

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is led by Director-General QU Dongyu, who oversees the organization's work to combat hunger, improve food security and promote sustainable agriculture worldwide. FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that works with governments and partners in more than 130 countries. Its membership comprises 193 countries and the European Union. (FAO official website)

Who is QU Dongyu?

QU Dongyu is a Chinese agricultural scientist and public official who became FAO Director-General in August 2019. He was re-elected in July 2023 for a second four-year term, which runs through July 2027.

As Director-General, he leads FAO's Secretariat and oversees the implementation of its strategic priorities, programmes and administrative activities.

What does the FAO Director-General do?

The Director-General is responsible for leading FAO's international work on food and agriculture. Key responsibilities include:

Coordinating international efforts to reduce hunger and malnutrition.
Supporting sustainable agriculture and food production.
Helping countries strengthen food security.
Promoting sustainable fisheries and forestry.
Supporting rural development and resilient agrifood systems.
Managing FAO's staff, programmes and administrative operations.

The Director-General also represents FAO in international discussions and works with governments, development partners, research institutions and other UN organizations.

What is the main purpose of FAO?

FAO's central goal is to help create a world free from hunger and malnutrition. It supports countries in improving agricultural productivity, making food systems more sustainable and ensuring people have regular access to sufficient, nutritious food.

FAO also provides data, research, technical assistance and policy advice to help governments address agricultural and food-related challenges.

Is the FAO Director-General the head of the entire UN?

No. The Director-General leads FAO specifically. The United Nations as a whole is headed administratively by the UN Secretary-General, while other UN organizations have their own leaders.

Conclusion

QU Dongyu leads FAO as its Director-General. His role is to guide the organization's global work on food security, agriculture, nutrition and sustainable agrifood systems. FAO is part of the UN system, but it has its own leadership and governance structure.