News in Brief:
– FAO receives the prestigious King Hassan II of Morocco Great World Water Prize for its leadership in sustainable water management.
– The recognition highlights FAO’s impact on local farmers through initiatives promoting water security and resilience in agriculture.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been honoured with the King Hassan II of Morocco Great World Water Prize during the 10th World Water Forum in Bali. This prestigious award highlights FAO’s exemplary efforts in safeguarding global water resources, crucial for food sovereignty and shared prosperity.
In his acceptance speech, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu emphasised the organization’s integral role in advancing water security worldwide. FAO’s strategic focus on water, integrated into its 2022-31 framework, underscores its commitment to sustainable water management and climate resilience.
FAO’s commitment to water security
The recognition comes at a critical time for local farmers globally. FAO’s initiatives directly impact farmers by promoting sustainable agriculture practices and enhancing irrigation technologies. This supports local communities in managing water resources effectively amid changing climatic conditions.
FAO’s comprehensive approach includes the endorsement of water management themes at high-level conferences and the development of integrated land and water management frameworks. These efforts are pivotal in guiding policy and practical solutions to address water scarcity and food security challenges.
Through platforms like the Water Productivity Open-access portal (WaPOR), FAO facilitates access to crucial water data and supports countries in developing national water roadmaps. This technology-driven approach aids in mapping irrigation potential, assessing flood impacts, and managing drought risks, benefiting farmers directly.
Participation in global dialogues and conferences, such as the UN Water Conference, underscores FAO’s leadership in shaping international water policies. The organisation’s commitments to sustainable development goals align with efforts to enhance water productivity and resilience in agriculture.
Director-General Qu Dongyu called for global collaboration to transform agrifood systems, ensuring efficiency, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability. This partnership is essential to achieving FAO’s vision of “Four Betters”: better production, nutrition, environment, and life, leaving no one behind.
