On the afternoon of July 26, 2024, faculty and students from the Italian Department of Nankai University's School of Foreign Studies visited the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Italy.
The FAO, established in 1945, is one of the United Nations' earliest specialized agencies. Its mission is to improve nutrition and living standards, enhance agricultural productivity and distribution, improve the economic conditions of rural areas and farmers, promote global economic development, and ensure freedom from hunger. China is a founding member of the FAO, and the current Secretary-General, Dr. Qu Dongyu, hails from Hunan Province, China. He advocates for the development of efficient, inclusive, and sustainable agri-food systems.
Accompanied by staff members, the visitors toured the FAO's Constitution, which is engraved in six languages—Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish—and the FAO Library. The library boasts a vast collection, including rare books, ancient texts, and digital publications. Originally founded in 1905 by King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy as the International Institute of Agriculture, the library is now undergoing a digital transformation and offers technical support to developing countries.
In addition to gaining a comprehensive understanding of the FAO's history, organizational structure, and achievements, the faculty and students also visited the organization's conference rooms. The color schemes in the rooms correspond to the red, white, and green of the Italian flag, as well as the sky blue of the FAO flag which is unique. The facilities here are also well-equipped. The visitors also learned that the numerous artworks displayed throughout the headquarters were donated by various countries, representing their shared vision of addressing food and agricultural challenges and improving living standards.
At the end of the visit, the students and faculty engaged in in-depth discussions with FAO staff about the organization's conference management system. This visit not only broadened the students' horizons but also deepened their understanding of the importance of foreign language learning and cultural exchange, inspiring them in their academic and professional pursuits.
