Welcome
Historic Visit of the German President to the UN Food Agencies in Rome
Rome, 22 September 2025 - To coincide with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited the UN headquarters in Rome today.
For the first time in nearly 80 years, a German head of state will meet with all three Rome-based UN agencies: the FAO, the WFP, and the IFAD.
At the WFP headquarters, President Steinmeier will meet with the leaders of the FAO, IFAD, and WFP, sending a strong signal of Germany’s commitment to fighting hunger, promoting rural development, and strengthening multilateral cooperation. The close collaboration among the Rome-based agencies (RBAs) is also highlighted, underscoring Germany’s role as a major donor and active partner in food security, agriculture, and humanitarian assistance.
The timing of the visit is particularly significant. Worldwide, hunger and food insecurity have increased in recent years due to climate shocks, ongoing conflicts, the effects of the pandemic, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, prolonged crises in countries such as Sudan, Gaza, and Yemen, as well as funding cuts from key donors, are pushing humanitarian systems to their limits.
In this context, President Steinmeier is sending a strong political signal. Germany is firmly committed to strengthening multilateral structures and transforming food and agricultural systems — central priorities for many countries in the Global South.
Background Information
The Rome-Based Agencies (RBAs)
- FAO: Provides technical expertise, research, and standards for agriculture, food security, and climate adaptation.
- IFAD: Focuses on rural development, supports smallholder farmers, and works to reduce poverty in Africa.
- WFP: Provides humanitarian aid in crisis regions and is responsible for emergency hunger relief.
Together, the RBAs form the center of international cooperation on food and agriculture in Rome. Their efforts are increasingly coordinated – for example, in transforming food systems, adapting to climate change, South-South cooperation, gender issues, and reducing food loss and waste.
This meeting occurs at a time of mounting global food and climate crises when multilateral cooperation is essential.