Uzbekistan has been unanimously elected to the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for the 2028–2029 term. This marks the country’s first-ever membership in the Council, which plays a central role in shaping global agricultural policy.

The FAO Council is made up of 49 member states, selected for terms of up to three years. Members are chosen with consideration for regional balance and are tasked with overseeing the FAO’s budget, programs, and key policy decisions.

Uzbekistan’s election is seen as recognition of the country’s ambitious reforms in agriculture and food security under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. It also highlights Uzbekistan’s growing engagement in international development and global governance.

Membership in the Council grants Uzbekistan a seat at the table in shaping international food and agriculture standards, advancing regional initiatives, and promoting national priorities. It also opens new opportunities to mobilize financial support for strategic development projects.

On September 5, 2024, President Mirziyoyev met with FAO Director-General Xu Dongyu in Tashkent. The two sides discussed strengthening their strategic partnership and addressing global food security challenges together.

Currently, Uzbekistan and the FAO are jointly implementing 34 projects across various sectors, including agriculture, school nutrition, veterinary services, and agrochemistry. Seven new projects have been launched in the past year alone, and the overall performance indicators of the cooperation program have doubled compared to previous periods.