International Organizations in Rome

Italy plays a leading role in the Rome hub system, not only because it is the host country, but also for its active engagement in the component organizations. Indeed, Italy is one of the major donors to the FAO, IFAD, WFP, IDLO, and to Bioversity International, as well as being vice chair of the CFS. This demonstrates the importance that Italy attaches to topics such as food security, nutrition, sustainable agricultural research, and the promotion of the rule of law.
Along with the other 192 United Nations member states, on 25 September 2015, Italy adopted the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, pledging to implement its ambitious 17 goals and 169 targets over the next 15 years. The global effort to overcome these challenges is also expressed in an active participation in the activities of UN agencies based in Rome, which are aligning their strategic plans to 2030 Agenda.
In addition, the promotion of food security, with special reference to sustainable rural development, has always been an important priority for Italian development cooperation.
The willingness of Italy to become a benchmark in the fight against hunger and poverty dates back to the beginning of the last century, when, in 1905, it was one of the 40 founders of the International Institute of Agriculture. The scientific heritage of the IIA and the Italian government’s dedication to playing a key role in agricultural development issues were the underpinning for the subsequent decision to transfer FAO headquarters to Rome in 1951, four years before Italy was admitted in the United Nations system.
The FAO experience led to the founding of the WFP and IFAD in the following years, with mandates focusing respectively on humanitarian assistance and rural development. Since then, Italy has continued to promote a number of initiatives to strengthen its technical, regulatory and operational capabilities, and the potential for assistance to applying countries.