FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero delivered a video message for the International Day of the Potato, celebrated at the FAO FoodS Lab. The theme, "Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish,"

FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero delivered a video message for the International Day of the Potato, celebrated at the FAO FoodS Lab. The theme, "Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish," highlights the crop's vital global role in supporting farmers and value chain actors, from its Andean origin to communities worldwide.

Promoting sustainable potato production and strengthening value chains helps reduce poverty, build resilience, and foster inclusive, sustainable agrifood systems. Learn more at [FAO International Potato Day](https://www.fao.org/international-potato-day/en). Subscribe to [FAO on YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=FAOoftheUN) and follow FAO on social media: [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/UNFAO), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/fao), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/fao), [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@fao), [Twitter](http://www.twitter.com/fao/), [Weibo](https://www.weibo.com/unfao).

Effective disease surveillance relies on timely, accurate, and accessible laboratory information. As health threats grow, laboratories are crucial for detecting risks, supporting diagnoses, and

Effective disease surveillance relies on timely, accurate, and accessible laboratory information. As health threats grow, laboratories are crucial for detecting risks, supporting diagnoses, and informing response efforts.

This video introduces SILAB, a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that digitizes the complete lab workflow, from sample reception to reporting. SILAB enhances sample traceability, enables real-time reporting, and strengthens interoperability between laboratories and other health information systems.

These capabilities improve decision-making, support disease surveillance, and facilitate faster, more coordinated responses to health events. By strengthening data management and connectivity, SILAB enhances information exchange and supports animal and public health surveillance.

In "The Work We Do," Manuel Barange, FAO Assistant Director-General for Fisheries and Aquaculture, discusses the future of aquatic foods. He shares key findings from "The State of World Fisheries

In "The Work We Do," Manuel Barange, FAO Assistant Director-General for Fisheries and Aquaculture, discusses the future of aquatic foods. He shares key findings from "The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026," highlighting their growing role in global nutrition and food security. Barange also covers sustainability, fisheries management, measuring fish stocks, and combating illegal fishing.

Reflecting on his career, from marine biologist to FAO leader, he offers advice for young professionals. Subscribe to FAO on YouTube and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and Weibo. © FAO: fao.org #SDGs #Agenda2030 #GlobalGoals

The 10th SIDS Solutions Dialogue convened on May 19, both in Geneva and online. This joint initiative, spearheaded by FAO Liaison Offices and the FAO Office for Small Island Developing States

The 10th SIDS Solutions Dialogue convened on May 19, both in Geneva and online. This joint initiative, spearheaded by FAO Liaison Offices and the FAO Office for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), collaborated with the FAO Hand-in-Hand Initiative.

The dialogue highlighted the Hand-in-Hand Initiative's crucial role in fostering investment-led agrifood systems transformation. It gathered FAO experts, government representatives, and partners to exchange valuable insights and success stories. Learn more about FAO's SIDS activities here.

A recent webinar gathered banana value chain experts to discuss the critical role of genetic diversity beyond Cavendish. Varietal diversification builds resilient, sustainable production and

A recent webinar gathered banana value chain experts to discuss the critical role of genetic diversity beyond Cavendish. Varietal diversification builds resilient, sustainable production and market systems, reducing vulnerability to pests, diseases, climate, and market shocks. Non-Cavendish varieties offer significant agronomic, nutritional, and cultural value, enhancing food security and biodiversity.

The event highlighted barriers like Cavendish-based market standards and insufficient incentives. It underscored the need for coordinated efforts, improved market recognition, and shared learning to promote banana diversification and ensure the global sector's long-term resilience. Organizers included Victor Prada, Matheus Lima, and Adriele Benedetto. More information: FAO TR4GN and World Banana Forum.

On World Food Safety Day 2026, we highlight the theme "From burden to solutions: safe food everywhere." This emphasizes the critical need for both science-based evidence to understand foodborne

On World Food Safety Day 2026, we highlight the theme "From burden to solutions: safe food everywhere." This emphasizes the critical need for both science-based evidence to understand foodborne disease risks and practical solutions to address them. FAO is dedicated to helping countries translate this evidence into effective action, identifying priorities, and allocating resources efficiently.

We support Members in strengthening food control systems, developing international standards under the One Health framework, and building national capacity to manage risks. These efforts reduce illness, protect public health, and foster economic development. Food safety is everyone's business—governments, businesses, and consumers all play a vital role. Through sustained commitment and science-based solutions, we can ensure safe food for all.

Sarah Cahill, Secretary of Codex Alimentarius, discusses the international body's vital role in "The Work We Do" podcast. Codex develops global food standards that ensure safety, proper labeling,

Sarah Cahill, Secretary of Codex Alimentarius, discusses the international body's vital role in "The Work We Do" podcast. Codex develops global food standards that ensure safety, proper labeling, and facilitate international trade.

The episode explores how Codex uses scientific evidence to protect consumers and build trust, addressing future challenges like climate change and novel foods. For more, subscribe to FAO on YouTube and follow FAO on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and Weibo. Visit fao.org.

Kyrgyzstan is strengthening efforts to restore forests and protect mountain ecosystems. On December 5, 2025, a tree-planting event was held in the Kara-Kemer Gorge, Issyk-Kul Region, as part of

Kyrgyzstan is strengthening efforts to restore forests and protect mountain ecosystems. On December 5, 2025, a tree-planting event was held in the Kara-Kemer Gorge, Issyk-Kul Region, as part of the national "Jashyl Muras" ("Green Legacy") campaign. This initiative is crucial for environmental sustainability and combating land degradation.

The event was implemented under the regional FRIENDS project, "Enhancing Forest Restoration Methods for Environmentally Sustainable Development in Central Asia." This project, part of the FAO–Türkiye Forestry Partnership Programme, supports countries in the region by boosting forest restoration capacities.

Happy International Day of Biological Diversity!   Our oceans are home to an estimated 2.2 million species, encompassing everything from iconic marine animals to those yet

Happy International Day of Biological Diversity!   Our oceans are home to an estimated 2.2 million species, encompassing everything from iconic marine animals to those yet undiscovered.

Every species is vital for maintaining healthy, balanced, and vibrant ocean ecosystems. Protecting this rich biodiversity is essential for safeguarding the future of our blue planet.

An expert panel recently highlighted academia's vital role in fostering agrifood digitalization. Discussions focused on initiatives such as the South East Asia Innovation Alliance, the University

An expert panel recently highlighted academia's vital role in fostering agrifood digitalization. Discussions focused on initiatives such as the South East Asia Innovation Alliance, the University of Sydney's farmhand program in the Mekong region, the Saudi Alliance for Agriculture Technologies, and university-led digitalization efforts in the Republic of Korea and the ASEAN Universities Network.

Explore the FAO Digital Villages Initiative for more details. Connect with FAO by subscribing to their YouTube channel and following them on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and Weibo.

© FAO. #SDGs #Agenda2030 #GlobalGoals