Abu dhabi: The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) marked its 80th anniversary with a high-level celebration in Abu Dhabi during the Abu Dhabi Global Food Week 2025. The event was organised by FAO's Subregional Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council States and Yemen and was attended by senior officials, decision-makers, and representatives from the United Nations system.

According to Emirates News Agency, the celebration highlighted the strong partnership between FAO and the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing their joint efforts in developing sustainable, innovative, and resilient agrifood systems to address climate challenges, ensure food security, and promote inclusive development. The event took place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and was opened by Ahmad Mukhtar, FAO Representative ad interim to the United Arab Emirates. Mukhtar emphasized FAO's legacy and the critical need to transform agrifood systems for the benefit of both people and the planet.

The event featured a short film showcasing FAO's journey and a message from FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, reflecting on the Organisation's global contributions and commitment to the principle of 'Leaving No One Behind.' Dr Mohamed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, spoke about the UAE's dedication to climate-resilient agriculture and environmental innovation, key aspects of the national strategy in collaboration with FAO.

Dr Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), highlighted the Authority's technical leadership and collaboration with FAO in food safety, agricultural sustainability, innovation, and policy support. He acknowledged the joint efforts of ADAFSA and FAO in enhancing resilient agrifood systems in the Emirate and the region.

FAO's Subregional Office in Abu Dhabi played a vital role in coordinating regional efforts, encouraging dialogue, and promoting innovation across the GCC States and Yemen. Ahmad Mukhtar remarked on the mission of FAO, emphasizing the importance of people, their dignity, resilience, and hope. He highlighted the partnership with the UAE as a testament to the belief that vision and innovation can transform scarcity into opportunity, shaping policies for sustainable and prosperous futures.

The celebration reinforced the importance of partnerships in advancing agrifood-systems transformation and food security. It served as a reaffirmation of collective action, bringing together the UN system, government institutions, and development partners in the UAE with a shared goal of eradicating hunger and leaving no one behind.

FAO also announced its participation in the upcoming Abu Dhabi Global Food Week 2026, where it will focus on the International Year of Women Farmers and the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, celebrating the vital contributions of these communities in transforming agrifood systems globally.