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Council endorses hunger eradication as FAO’s number one goal

7 December 2012, Rome - FAO's governing Council ended its week-long meeting by endorsing a change in the Organization's first global goal from merely reducing hunger to its eradication.

"This unequivocal commitment sets our sights where they should be," said FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva. "We cannot accept anything less than the eradication of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition."

The Council, which meets every six months to oversee programme and budgetary activities, also endorsed the strategic objectives that will guide FAO's future work.

"The strategic objectives which you have endorsed set us in the right path to give an even greater contribution to the eradication of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition," Graziano da Silva told the Council at its closing session.

Graziano da Silva also thanked Council for accepting a strategy to promote collaboration between FAO and civil society.

"No government or organization alone can overcome hunger. It is a goal that needs to be embraced by all. Civil society organizations, the private sector and other actors have important roles to play in our quest for a hunger-free sustainable world," he said.

Council also amended the General Rules to ensure a smoother transition when new administrations are elected to lead the Organization.

"The new rules regarding the transition period will ensure that FAO keeps functioning and gives incoming Directors-General the flexibility to put in place the senior management that he or she needs to lead the organization," he said.