Jacques Diouf

Doctor of Laws

College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, September 23, 2010

Jacques Diouf has served as the Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) since 1993. FAO is the organization that leads international efforts in the fight against hunger and malnutrition. Its charge is to improve agricultural productivity and production, increase levels of nutrition, improve the lives of rural populations, and contribute to overall economic growth and development. Prior to being elected as Director-General, Dr. Diouf's impressive career in public service and government includes being Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of Senegal to the United Nations; Secretary-General of the Central Bank for West African States in Dakar; and Special Adviser to the Governor of the Central Bank. He served as a member of the Senegalese Parliament, chaired the Foreign Relations Committee and the Friendship Parliamentary Group, and served as Secretary of State for Science and Technology in the government. As Director-General of the FAO, he is credited with initiating the World Food Summit that brought nations of the world together to address the pressing need for meeting future food demand. He has gained worldwide recognition for his leadership and efforts, receiving at least 20 honorary degrees and academic awards. This past February, Dr. Diouf spent two days at the University of Minnesota to discuss the integration of agriculture and health sciences. He was also hosted at the Governor's Residence in St. Paul where he was introduced to foundation and corporate partners who have provided support for University related initiatives. Because of this inspiring visit, discussions are underway to enter a formal agreement between the University of Minnesota and the FAO/United Nations, to serve as their preferred University partner in the mission of ending world hunger.