ICO and FAO Renew Commitment to Sustainable Coffee Sector

Source: International Coffee Organization (ICO)
Author: Qahwa World Editorial Team
Date: July 22, 2026

ICO and FAO Renew Commitment to Sustainable Coffee Sector

  • ICO and FAO signed a new Memorandum of Understanding reaffirming their commitment to coffee sector sustainability.
  • The renewed partnership builds on years of successful collaboration between the two organizations.
  • Key areas include sustainable production, climate resilience, market transparency, and inclusive value chains.
  • The agreement also covers innovation, digital technologies, and knowledge exchange.
  • A special focus will be on empowering coffee-growing communities and smallholder farmers.
  • Both organizations aim to build a more inclusive and resilient coffee sector for future generations.

The International Coffee Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations have renewed their commitment to a more sustainable coffee sector. Executive Director of ICO and FAO Director-General QU Dongyu signed a new Memorandum of Understanding today.

The agreement reaffirms their shared commitment to supporting the sustainable development of the global coffee sector. It builds on years of successful collaboration between the two organizations.

Key Areas of Cooperation

The renewed partnership will strengthen cooperation in several key areas. These include sustainable coffee production and sourcing. Climate resilience and adaptation are also priorities. Market transparency and access to information will be enhanced.

Other areas include inclusive and sustainable value chains. Innovation and digital technologies will play a crucial role. Knowledge exchange between stakeholders is another focus. The agreement also emphasizes empowering coffee-growing communities. Special attention will be given to smallholder and family farmers.

ICO-FAO Renewed Partnership – Key Cooperation Areas
Area Focus
Sustainable Production Sustainable coffee production and sourcing
Climate Action Climate resilience and adaptation
Market Transparency Market transparency and access to information
Value Chains Inclusive and sustainable value chains
Innovation Innovation, digital technologies and knowledge exchange
Community Empowerment Empowering coffee-growing communities, particularly smallholder farmers

The Importance of Coffee

Coffee supports the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. It plays a vital role in advancing sustainable development. The sector faces numerous challenges. These include climate change, market volatility, and social inequality.

Through this renewed framework, ICO and FAO will continue working together. Their goal is to ensure the coffee sector becomes more inclusive and resilient. They aim to prepare it for the challenges of the future. The partnership will benefit producers, consumers, and future generations.

About ICO and FAO

The International Coffee Organization is the only intergovernmental organization dedicated to coffee. It enhances the sustainability of the coffee sector for both exporting and importing countries. The ICO provides official statistics and facilitates technical cooperation projects.

The Food and Agriculture Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO supports sustainable agriculture and rural development. Together, ICO and FAO bring complementary expertise to the coffee sector.

“A renewed commitment to a more sustainable and resilient coffee sector.”

— International Coffee Organization

Future Outlook

The renewed partnership signals a strong commitment to coffee sustainability. Both organizations look forward to building an even stronger partnership. The focus remains on practical outcomes for coffee producers and communities. Innovation and knowledge sharing will drive progress.

Together, ICO and FAO aim to create lasting positive change. The goal is a coffee sector that is inclusive, resilient, and prepared for future challenges. Producers, consumers, and future generations will all benefit from this collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did ICO and FAO announce?ICO and FAO signed a new Memorandum of Understanding renewing their commitment to a sustainable coffee sector.

What are the key areas of cooperation?Key areas include sustainable production, climate resilience, market transparency, inclusive value chains, innovation, and empowering smallholder farmers.

Why is this partnership important?The partnership combines the expertise of two major organizations to address challenges facing the global coffee sector.

How does coffee support sustainable development?Coffee supports the livelihoods of millions worldwide and plays a vital role in advancing sustainable development goals.

Who will benefit from this agreement?Coffee producers, consumers, and future generations will benefit from a more inclusive and resilient coffee sector.

What is the role of ICO?ICO is the only intergovernmental organization dedicated to coffee, providing statistics and facilitating technical cooperation.

Portail des Nations to Open in June 2026

New visitor centre in Geneva aims to transform public engagement with the United Nations

Geneva – Qahwa World

The Portail des Nations, the highly anticipated visitors’ centre of the United Nations in Geneva, has confirmed its official opening for early June 2026. Positioned at the historic entrance to the Palais des Nations, this landmark initiative is set to redefine how global audiences engage with the principles and practice of multilateralism.

Conceived as far more than a traditional exhibition space, the Portail des Nations has been designed as an immersive gateway into the world of international cooperation. Through a thoughtfully curated, technology-led journey, visitors will be invited to explore the role of diplomacy in addressing the defining challenges of the modern era, including global health, climate change, human rights, and innovation.

The project was initiated by Ivan Pictet, whose vision responded to a call by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to bring multilateralism closer to people worldwide. This ambition has been realised through the Fondation Portail des Nations, established in 2019 to develop and deliver the initiative on behalf of UN Geneva. The Foundation will continue to operate the centre during its initial phase, ensuring a seamless and impactful visitor experience.

Entirely funded through private contributions, the Portail des Nations stands as a testament to international collaboration and philanthropic commitment. Alongside Ivan Pictet as principal donor, key contributions have been made by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation and the Loterie Romande, supporting the construction and design of the building. The immersive visitor experience has been further enriched through the support of the Dona Bertarelli Philanthropic Foundation. Public institutions including the Swiss Confederation, the Republic and Canton of Geneva, and the City of Geneva have also provided essential backing for its early operations.

At its core, the Portail des Nations seeks to demystify multilateralism, often perceived as abstract, by presenting it as a tangible and essential framework for collective progress. In Geneva, one of the world’s foremost centres of diplomacy, this concept comes to life through international agreements, humanitarian initiatives, and cross-border cooperation. The centre will offer visitors a deeper understanding of how these processes shape everyday lives across the globe.

Designed to welcome up to 200,000 visitors annually, the experience will unfold over approximately two hours and will be available in eight languages, ensuring accessibility for a diverse international audience. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the centre will offer a seamless visitor journey, with tickets available exclusively online.

Easily accessible via public transport and located on Avenue de la Paix, the Portail des Nations is poised to become a defining cultural and educational destination in Geneva. Its opening marks a significant milestone in strengthening public connection to the United Nations’ mission, offering a compelling invitation to explore the power of dialogue, cooperation, and shared responsibility in shaping a more sustainable future.

  • About Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation

Tourism in Geneva is managed by the Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation (FGT&C). This entity was created following the integration, on 1 January 2013, of the Geneva Tourism & Conventions Association (GT&C) into the Foundation for Tourism. An executive board of 11 members, primarily representing Geneva’s tourism-related sectors, alongside an advisory board established by local authorities, ensures professional corporate governance of the FGT&C. Its responsibilities include advising on the strategic development of tourism policy and supporting the achievement of objectives set out by law.