In a continued effort to strengthen global partnerships for food security, His Majesty King Letsie III held a high-level bilateral meeting with FAO Director-General QU Dongyu on 11 February 2025 at the FAO Headquarters in Rome.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong collaboration between Lesotho and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and emphasised the shared commitment to eradicating hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.
The FAO Director-General warmly welcomed King Letsie III, expressing appreciation for the positive and ongoing partnership with Lesotho.
Reflecting on their previous meeting just four months ago during the World Food Forum, QU Dongyu highlighted Lesotho’s steady progress in food security and expressed optimism that the country would continue to make significant strides under the King’s leadership.
“Lesotho has shown strong political will in tackling hunger and malnutrition and the leadership of His Majesty is instrumental in advancing agri-food systems transformation, not only in Lesotho but across Africa,” said the Director-General.
A Shared Commitment to Nutrition and Food Security
The King, who also serves as the FAO Special Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition, expressed deep gratitude for the continued partnership with FAO.
He emphasised his personal commitment to fighting malnutrition and poverty, both in Lesotho and globally.
“While my primary mission in Rome is to address the IFAD Governing Council, I found it necessary to meet with the Director-General once again to express my heartfelt thanks for his support and for FAO’s unwavering commitment to Lesotho,” said King Letsie III.
He commended the Director-General for his dedication to transforming global agri-food systems and applauded FAO’s efforts in addressing hunger and malnutrition through meaningful, community-driven initiatives.
USD5 Million Boost for Food Security Projects in Lesotho
A major highlight of the meeting was the discussion around the recent USD 5 million FAO funding allocated to support food security projects in Lesotho.
His Majesty acknowledged the recent mission by the FAO team to Lesotho, which kick-started the implementation of these projects, aimed at improving agricultural productivity, strengthening climate resilience, and addressing malnutrition at the grassroots level.
“Lesotho is fully committed to ensuring that these projects are effectively implemented. We are on track, and under my leadership, I am determined that we will meet our goals of hunger relief, malnutrition reduction, and poverty alleviation,” His Majesty declared.
The Director-General commended the King’s hands-on approach and reassured him of FAO’s continued support in achieving these goals.
He further emphasised FAO’s commitment to mobilising global resources to assist Lesotho and amplify its impact across Africa.
A Broader Vision: Agri-food Systems Transformation
Both leaders echoed the importance of agri-food systems transformation as a pathway to achieving the Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life.
Director-General QU Dongyu highlighted that smallholder farmers remain the backbone of Lesotho’s agriculture and that empowering them through modern farming techniques, market access, and climate-smart practices is essential to driving long-term growth.
King Letsie III reaffirmed his vision for Lesotho to become a model for sustainable food systems in the region, emphasising the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and strategic investments in agriculture.
“Investing in nutrition and rural development is not just about feeding people—it’s about creating opportunities, lifting communities out of poverty, and building resilient economies,” His Majesty concluded.
Looking Ahead
As Lesotho continues its journey toward achieving food and nutrition security, partnerships with global institutions like FAO remain critical. The USD 5 million investment in food security projects, combined with Lesotho’s strong political commitment, signals a new chapter in the country’s fight against hunger and malnutrition.
Through his role as FAO Special Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition, King Letsie III continues to be a global voice for the most vulnerable, advocating for policies and investments that not only address immediate food needs but also build sustainable solutions for future generations.
With FAO’s continued backing and His Majesty’s steadfast leadership, Lesotho is set to strengthen its position in the fight against hunger, contributing to broader efforts toward global food security and economic stability.
