Ukraine Secures Seat on UN FAO Council

Key Points

• Elected on 4 July during the FAO Conference in Rome

• 49-member Council shapes global food and agriculture policy

• Russia and Belarus failed in their bids for seats

• Ukraine vows to expand humanitarian outreach through the “Grain from Ukraine” program

Why This Matters

Winning a seat on the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Council cements Ukraine’s status as a reliable guarantor of global food security—despite the ongoing challenges posed by Russia’s full-scale invasion.

“Another significant achievement of Ukraine in the UN system… We will continue to expand our life-saving humanitarian efforts.”
— Andriy Sybiga, Foreign Minister of Ukraine

Background: What Is the FAO Council?

• Primary governing body of the FAO between biennial conferences

• 49 elected member states serve three-year terms

• Oversees global initiatives on food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development

• Delegated authority to appoint senior officers (except the FAO President) and approve major programs

Implications for Ukraine

1. Stronger diplomatic voice in shaping worldwide food and agriculture policy

2. Expanded platform to promote the Grain from Ukraine humanitarian export initiative

3. Enhanced partnerships with donor countries and multilateral organizations

4. Leverage against Russian disinformation, reinforcing Ukraine’s role as a net food supplier, not a disruptor

Regional Context

• Russia and Belarus failed to secure seats, underscoring sustained international isolation of the aggressor state and its ally.

• Kyiv’s election follows recent appeals at major UN forums for broader support in mitigating the food crisis triggered by war.

Next Steps

• Council term begins immediately following confirmation of voting results

• Ukraine will prioritize:

  • Scaling cereal exports to vulnerable regions

  • Collaborating on climate-resilient farming solutions

  • Advancing digital agriculture initiatives in partnership with FAO members

Stay tuned for detailed policy proposals from Ukraine’s delegation as the new FAO Council term gets underway.