April 25, 2025

Philippines backs consensus for more efficient, responsive FAO

The Philippines supported an emerging consensus on the need to make the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) more agile, efficient, responsive, impactful and fit for purpose, and aligned with the wider United Nations system, at the 177th session of the Council of FAO held on April 7-11 at its headquarters in Rome, Italy.

"With FAO's 80th year of existence this year, the Philippines supports efforts to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability of FAO," Ambassador and Permanent Representative Neal Imperial, who sits in the Council for the Philippines, said. "The Philippines supports a consultative, inclusive, member-led process, and a comprehensive discussion of the process, parameters and timeline for the proposed reform of the Organization."

The proposed reforms include, among others, increased geographical representation in the Council, from the current 49 members, elected by the Conference. While limited, the Philippines views that the proposed increase can provide additional space for members in a region to participate in the FAO's second-level governing body. 

Imperial also said that the Philippines recognises that, as one of the largest UN agencies with an important mandate of addressing food security and nutrition, FAO should be on equal standing with the foremost UN system organisations. He underscored, however, the importance of assessing the funding availability and the cost implications of reform vis-à-vis the benefits, particularly in view of the current liquidity crisis of the UN.

The Philippines has consistently supported reforms in the UN, advocating for a more inclusive, democratic, and effective organisation. It aligns with broader calls for reform to make the UN more equitable and effective in addressing global challenges, while ensuring, among others, that least developed countries (LDCs), small island developing states (SIDs) and developing states have a stronger voice in decision-making processes.

During the course of the five-day session of the Council, the Philippines also articulated its comments on, among others, FAO's Reviewed Strategic Framework 2022-2031, Medium-Term Plan 2026-2029 and Programme of Work and Budget 2026-2027, global food security challenges and drivers, FAO's emergency interventions in crisis settings, work on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and reports on the sessions of the Council committees.

The Philippines also joined the discussions of the Council on the preparations for the 44th Session of the Conference, which will take place from June 28 to July 4 at the FAO Headquarters. 

One of the 49 member nations of the Council elected by the FAO Conference, the Philippines serves until the end of the 45th Session of the Conference in July 2027.

- Department of Foreign Affairs (the Philippines)