The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been awarded the King Hassan II of Morocco Great World Water Prize at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali. The theme for this year’s award was “Securing water resources for food sovereignty and shared prosperity,” highlighting FAO’s exemplary efforts in the sustainable management and preservation of global water resources.
Director-General’s Acceptance Speech
QU Dongyu, the Director-General of FAO, expressed his gratitude upon receiving the award. “On behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, I am delighted to accept the prestigious King Hassan II of Morocco Great World Water Prize. I thank the Jury Committee for recognizing FAO’s contributions to global water security.”
FAO’s Strategic Framework on Water
Water is a critical component of FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-31, embedded within the organization’s strategies on climate change, science, and innovation. In 2023, water was the central theme of the 43rd Session of the FAO Ministerial Conference, the highest governing body of the Organization. This focus will continue through the 2024-25 biennium, ensuring water remains a priority across all FAO Governing Bodies and technical committees.
Milestones in FAO’s Water Initiatives
In December 2023, the FAO Council endorsed the Conceptual Framework for Integrated Land and Water Resources Management. This framework guides FAO’s approach to land, soil, and water management, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable practices.
Annual Dialogues and High-Level Platforms
FAO facilitates the annual Rome Water Dialogue and the High-Level Dialogue on the Global Framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG). These platforms encourage knowledge sharing, mobilize leadership, and foster sustainable solutions for achieving water and food security.
World Food Day 2023
World Food Day 2023 focused on the theme “Water is Life, Water is Food. Leaving no one behind,” emphasizing the integral role of water in food production and security.
Global Support and Technological Advancements
FAO supports member countries in sustainable agriculture development and water management. Initiatives include developing National Water Roadmaps, assessing irrigation needs, and managing flood risks. The FAO Water Productivity Open-access portal (WaPOR) provides valuable data and information for water management, aiding countries in their efforts to address water scarcity and drought management.
UN 2023 Water Conference
At the UN 2023 Water Conference, FAO made eight commitments to the Global Water Actions, demonstrating significant progress in each area. FAO is also a key player in developing the UN system-wide strategy on water and sanitation, validated by the UN Chief Executives Board (CEB).
Call for Global Collaboration
QU Dongyu concluded by calling for global partnerships to enhance water management and transform agrifood systems. He emphasized the vision of the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, ensuring no one is left behind.
“Thank you once again to the Kingdom of Morocco for this prestigious honour and recognition,” he said, underscoring the collective effort required to achieve global water security and sustainable agricultural development.
