Norway congratulates the new head of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

José Graziano da Silva from Brazil has been appointed as the new Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “I congratulate Mr Graziano da Silva  on his appointment as new FAO Director-General, and I am looking forward to cooperating with him.”

Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim said, “Many poor people suffer from hunger and malnutrition. At the same time, food has become more expensive. It is therefore important to ensure that the UN plays a strong and active role in the efforts to improve nutrition and agriculture.”

The first of the UN Millennium Development Goals is to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.

“FAO’s mandate is more important and more relevant than ever before. But if it is to be successful, its reform process must be completed. We expect Mr Graziano da Silva to direct full attention to making progress with the reform efforts,” said Mr Støre.

Mr Graziano da Silva was President Lula’s Extraordinary Minister of Food Security and Fight Against Hunger. He is a highly regarded professor of economics, and he has also headed FAO’s regional office in Latin America.

“The organisation must also play a key role in the efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable management of natural resources, including forests and fisheries,” said Mr Solheim.

“I would also like to thank the outgoing Director-General, Jacques Diouf, for his work over the last 18 years,” said Mr Støre.

Press officer on duty for the Minister of Foreign Affairs: + 47 23 95 00 02.

Press officer on duty for the Minister of the Environment and International Development: +47 913 95 000 (no text messages).