Mina Rizk becomes first Egyptian to lead FAO Council in historic win

CAIRO – 4 July 2025: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Conference unanimously elected Egypt to lead the FAO Council for the next four years during its plenary session held last night.

The Egyptian Embassy in Rome’s advisor Mina Rizk is now the Independent Chairperson of the council, becoming the first Egyptian to hold this position in the organization's 80-year history since its founding in 1945.

This election followed a competitive race involving five candidates from various geographical groups, including Africa, Asia, South America, North America, and Europe, with several ministers and senior officials representing their countries.

The winning candidate from Egypt is also the youngest to assume this prestigious role in the organization's history at just 38 years old.

FAO Council serves as the main governing body of the organization, responsible for shaping its policies and directions across all areas of work. It comprises about a quarter of the member countries, elected for a three-year term.

Egypt not only won the presidency but also holds membership on the council, as well as the chairmanship of the Finance Committee.

Egypt’s Ambassador to Italy Bassam Rady confirmed that the success of the Egyptian nomination at the FAO Council comes at a crucial time with issues of food security, water, agriculture, and irrigation becoming increasingly prominent on the global agenda—sectors that are vital for Egypt.

He highlighted major developmental projects in food security and agriculture implemented by Egypt under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.