Dr. Jacques Diouf, director general of FAO visited the University of Minnesota on February 25-26, 2010. The purpose of his visit was to investigate possible collaborations with the University of Minnesota, its colleges, schools, and centers, including the Global Initiative for Food Systems Leadership (GIFSL).
Dr. Diouf has a long career in food safety and security. He has been director general of FAO since 1993, has held several positions of responsibility in national and international agricultural institutions, and has served in the executive and legislative braches of the Senegalese government. Dr. Diouf’s visit to Minnesota is the first visit for a FAO director general and marks the beginning of a new era of collaborations for FAO and the University.
The Global Initiative for Food Systems Leadership has a history of partnering with FAO. Most recently, GIFSL collaborated with FAO subject matter experts in the delivery of two GIFSL leadership programs: the International Food Safety Administration Program for senior Chinese leaders and the Engaging Inter-governmental Organizations Program for mid- to senior-level food systems leaders.
Like FAO, GIFSL is dedicated to defeating world hunger. GIFSL promotes robust food systems through the delivery of shared leadership programs, partnerships, and networks, while FAO leads international efforts to defeat hunger through its service to developed and developing countries. FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information. They help developing countries and countries in transition modernize to improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices and ensure good nutrition for all.
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