A Monegasque delegation consisting of HE Robert Fillon, Ambassador of Monaco in Italy and Permanent Representative of the Principality to FAO, Elisabeth Lanteri-Minet, Director of International Affairs in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and Martine Garcia-Mascarenhas, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Monaco in Rome, are taking part in the 40th UN Food and Agriculture Organisation Conference, being held in Rome from July 3 to 8.

The Conference opened with a statement by the Italian Prime Minister, Paolo Gentiloni, who highlighted Italy’s strong commitment to international cooperation in the fight against hunger and the eradication of poverty.

His Eminence Archbishop Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy State, took the floor to read a message in which Pope Francis urged participating states to make the right to food for all individuals an absolute priority.

The overall theme of the Conference is the review of FAO’s Work and Budget Programme for the upcoming 2018-2019 biennial summit on climate change, agriculture and food security. It will address food issues through Sustainable Development Goal No. 2: Eliminating hunger, ensuring food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture.

The Rome Conference will also address famine situations that currently threaten 20 million people in four countries – Yemen, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan – which require the international community to act urgently. The Principality has already contributed with the payment of €300,000.