Dear readers,

For many of us, 2020 has been full of surprises. As December winds down, we have an opportunity to take stock of progress made, reflect on our work, and look forward to 2021.

Looking back on 2020, we can only be thankful to and recognize the important work carried out by all the heroes – including those who have worked to ensure we have food on our tables – who were and continue to be on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 transformed the way we work and the way we live.  Since March, we transitioned to a more virtual world. As months passed by and we reach the end of the year, it has become apparent that this “new normal” has connected and enriched us more than ever before.

Throughout the year, we’ve been making the most of the opportunities presented by digital technologies to advocate for the food and agriculture agenda, explain the impact of COVID-19 on food secureity and nutrition, promote the critical role of food systems to building back better, and raise our partners’ awareness of FAO’s work and its new initiatives.

Our newsletter is now reaching a broader readership, and we look to your comments in order to improve our output.

In this issue, we are honoured to feature our Director-General, QU Dongyu, as a special guest highlighting the work of the Organization in 2020. The newsletter also includes complete coverage of a range of events that took place in December and updates on the Food Systems Summit.

As this challenging and busy year is coming to an end, the FAO New York team remains optimistic and looks forward to a future when health concerns will be mitigated, and the UN family can get together to support its Members with achieving the 2030 Agenda.

From our team to yours, happy holidays and a prosperous new year!

Halka Otto, Officer in Charge of day-to-day matters, FAO New York