FAO Marks 80 Years Globally with Landmark Anniversary Celebrations in Armenia

For 80 years, FAO has walked alongside farmers, communities, and institutions – helping nurture sustainable agriculture, protect biodiversity, and strengthen rural livelihoods. In 2025, these collective achievements came to life through a series of vibrant events that captured the spirit of FAO’s mission and Armenia’s contribution to global food security.

Throughout 2025, FAO Armenia has commemorated this landmark with a series of initiatives highlighting its core priorities: sustainable agriculture, food security, biodiversity protection, and rural livelihoods. These celebrations not only showcase FAO’s global legacy but its efforts to support to the transformation of the agri-food system of Armenia.

In line with the 365 days of action a key milestone was the Startup Summit where FAO supported AgriTech Summit. Amid the tents and vibrant lakeside energy, young entrepreneurs and agritech pioneers shared climate-smart solutions, robotics, and digital farming ideas -proving that the future of agriculture in Armenia is both green and smart.

Highlighting the importance of youth for the transformation and demonstrating the long-term aspiration the International Youth Day in Aparan, interactive sessions on nutrition and healthy diets, and an engaging panel on sustainable agriculture allowed young people explored how their choices and actions can shape a more resilient food future. FAO’s commitment to community spirit and rural development shone at the Harvest Festival, where local farmers proudly showcased their products - honey, herbs, grains, and fruits - all nurtured through FAO-supported initiatives. Each display told a story of transformation: of families earning better livelihoods, villages revitalized, and traditions renewed through innovation.

Environmental sustainability is a cornerstone of FAO’s work - found expression in several initiatives. FAO staff rolled up their sleeves for a shoreline cleanup at Lake Sevan, reaffirming FAO’s dedication to protecting Armenia’s natural treasures. A tree-planting ceremony at the Botanical Garden of Armenia, brought together diplomats from various embassies, Government counterparts, partners from civil society and UN colleagues in creating new Solidarity Alley - a symbol of international collaboration and shared care for Armenia’s natural heritage.

At the World Food Day Reception on 15 October, FAO with the, was featuring the photo exhibition “Mapping the FAO path in Armenia”, tracing the organization’s journey from its earliest interventions to the present day – from soil conservation and rural development to technology transfer and youth empowerment.

Raimund Jehle, FAO Representative in Armenia, highlighted: "FAO’s 80th anniversary is a moment to reflect on our shared achievements and to reaffirm our commitment to building resilient, food-secure communities in Armenia. Over the past eight decades, we have worked alongside farmers, local self-government bodies, youth, and civil society partners to strengthen sustainable agriculture, protect biodiversity, and support rural livelihoods. Our work continues to ensure that the benefits of progress reach every community, leaving no one behind".

The FAO’s 80th anniversary celebration in Armenia and the world underscores the Organization’s guiding vision – the Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, and Better Life for All.  And as new challenges emerge, FAO’s story in Armenia continues: rooted in partnership, growing through innovation, and always inspired by the people it serves and its commitment to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Agenda 2030.