Director-General's remarks at the Opening ceremony of the FAO at 80: “A Legacy of Action, A Future of Innovation” Exhibition

Opening ceremony of the FAO at 80: “A Legacy of Action, 
A Future of Innovation” Exhibition

Thursday, 9 October 2025, at 4 p.m.
Salle des Pas Perdue, Palais des Nations

Delivered by Ms. Lidiya Grigoreva, Cheffe de Cabinet to the Director-General, 
United Nations Office at Geneva

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen, 

On behalf of Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, who conveys her warm greetings and deep appreciation, it is my great honour to join you and to deliver her message.

“Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Welcome all to the Palais des Nations for the opening of the exhibition “FAO at 80: A Legacy of Action, A Future of Innovation”. I wish to thank the Food and Agriculture Organization, its Liaison Office in Geneva, the Federal Office for Agriculture of Switzerland, and the Permanent Missions of Brazil, China, the Holy See, Hungary, Italy, Lebanon and Senegal for their invaluable support in making this exhibition possible in the historic Salle des Pas Perdus. 

Today, as we commemorate the FAO’s 80th anniversary, we honour an institution that has profoundly shaped the global fight against hunger and malnutrition. Since its creation in 1945, FAO has stood at the forefront of efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, empower rural communities and build more resilient food systems. Its work over eight decades has been transformative, improving millions of lives and contributing to peace, prosperity and development worldwide.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides us with a common vision for the future. At its heart lies Goal 2: Zero Hunger. Progress in food security is inseparable from advances in health, education, gender equality, climate action and peace. FAO’s indispensable role in advancing this integrated vision remains as vital today as it was at its founding. Yet, as we approach 2030, we must also recognize that progress is lagging. This moment calls for accelerated, collective action – drawing inspiration from FAO’s enduring legacy.

This exhibition offers a timely opportunity not only to honour that remarkable legacy but also to reflect on the challenges ahead. Climate change, conflict and deepening inequalities remind us that achieving Zero Hunger will demand greater ambition, stronger multilateral cooperation and deeper solidarity. Through its “Four Better” framework and its commitment to innovation, FAO demonstrates how technology, knowledge and partnerships can drive the transformation of global food and agriculture. 

It is particularly meaningful that this commemoration takes place here at the Palais des Nations – a place that embodies dialogue, cooperation and collective responsibility. Geneva is proud to provide a platform for advancing FAO’s mission and for strengthening international cooperation on food security, sustainability and the fundamental right to food. 

As the international community carries forward the Pact for the Future, this exhibition reminds us that the SDGs cannot be achieved without ending hunger and ensuring sustainable food systems for all. 

In closing, allow me to warmly congratulate FAO on this historic milestone. May its legacy of the past 80 years inspire us to redouble our efforts in the years ahead. 

I wish you all a successful World Food Week and thank you for joining us for this important exhibition”.

This was the end of the message of the Director-General of UNOG.

Thank you.