Rome, Italy.- FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu announced that President Luis Abinader will receive the Agricultural Medal, the organization’s highest decoration, in recognition of his contributions to food security and the fight against hunger.
During a meeting in Rome, Abinader announced that Qu Dongyu will travel to the Dominican Republic in two weeks to learn firsthand about the country’s agricultural production, food security and social protection policies. The visit will also seek to strengthen cooperation and advance initiatives toward the Zero Hunger goal.
Abinader highlighted government measures including financing for agriculture, subsidies for inputs such as urea, higher minimum wages, expanded social assistance and increased resources for school meals. He said these policies have helped strengthen domestic production and improve access to food.
The president noted that social assistance has been expanded to reach approximately 1.5 million people and stressed that economic growth must be accompanied by social policies that ensure its benefits reach vulnerable households.
Abinader also emphasized the importance of supporting agricultural producers, particularly in the Dominican Republic, where limited natural resources make domestic production essential to food security and economic development.
FAO calls for stronger cooperation against hunger
Qu Dongyu called for stronger partnerships between governments and international organizations to accelerate sustainable development and combat hunger. He emphasized cooperation, financing and the exchange of knowledge as key tools for strengthening food security and addressing global challenges.
The FAO chief also highlighted the importance of women’s participation in leadership, sustainable development and stronger financing mechanisms to support long-term transformations.
The meeting took place during Abinader’s visit to Rome for the World Food Forum, where the Dominican Republic is presenting its policies on agricultural production and social protection and its progress toward the Zero Hunger goal.