On July 3, the General Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) elected Egypt to chair its Executive Council for the first time, appointing Mina Rizk, Egypt’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the FAO, to lead the body. This remarkable achievement not only elevates Egypt’s influence within the FAO but also highlights Rizk’s ascent as the youngest chair in the organization’s history at just 38 years old.
Rizk’s election, unanimously supported during a highly competitive session, marks a significant milestone for his career and for Egypt. Ambassador Bassam Rady, Egypt’s envoy to Italy, emphasized the strategic importance of the FAO Executive Council, the organization’s primary governing body tasked with setting policies and strategic directions.
Rizk’s journey to this prestigious position reflects a meticulously crafted career in diplomacy. Born and raised in Cairo, he entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after completing his education in international relations. He honed his diplomatic skills within the Department of Multilateral Affairs and International Security, and his overseas postings in China and Italy further solidified his expertise in international diplomacy.
His extensive experience, particularly during his tenure at the Egyptian Embassy in Rome, positioned him well for this leadership role. In July 2023, he was appointed Chair of the FAO’s Finance Committee, managing financial operations across more than 130 countries. His active participation in recent FAO meetings, such as the 44th Conference in Rome, underscored his commitment to sustainable agriculture and water resource management, key issues for Egypt and the global community.
Rizk’s nomination was strongly backed by the Egyptian Embassy in Rome, aligning with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s initiatives to empower young leaders across all sectors. This governmental support is part of a broader strategy to prepare young Egyptians for influential roles on the international stage.
Egypt’s growing influence within the FAO extends beyond the Executive Council. The country leads the FAO’s Finance Committee, and its Central Auditing Organization is responsible for conducting the organization’s audits. Furthermore, the Egyptian Food Bank recently received the FAO’s honorary award, and Egypt is set to host the FAO’s annual international conference in its New Administrative Capital later this year.
These milestones reflect Egypt’s strategic engagement with the FAO and highlight Rizk’s role as a catalyst for change within the organization. As he steps into this new role, Rizk is poised to steer the FAO towards achieving its goals of global food security and sustainable agriculture, reinforcing Egypt’s position as a vital player on the world stage. Rizk’s leadership promises to drive meaningful progress and innovation.
