Morocco's Ismahane Elouafi appointed as FAO's chief scientist

Morocco's Ismahane Elouafi was appointed as the first ever Chief Scientist of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The appointment, announced by FAO Director-General, Qu Dongyua, on the 35th session of the FAO Regional Conference for the Near East and North Africa (NERC 35), will further strengthen the technical and scientific dimension of FAO's work,  wrote the UN agency in a press release.

«Ms. Elouafi's background and extensive knowledge of the region will be an asset to respond to the challenges facing Near East and North Africa countries», according to FAO.

The NERC 35 convened on Sept. 21-22 under the theme «Transforming Food Systems to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals». The event, virtually hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, resulted in a «historic» Declaration which lays the foundations for enhanced collaboration across the region to find lasting solutions to the most urgent and pressing problems affecting food and agriculture.

The Declaration focuses on how governments, the private sector, civil society and communities can work together to end hunger and poverty, ensure healthy diets for all and address the growing challenges of water scarcity, climate change and transboundary pests and diseases.

FAO Members in Near East and North Africa meet every two years to discuss issues of common concern and guide FAO's work in support to the region's food and agriculture.