Who is the current Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)?

The current Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is Qu Dongyu. He took office on August 1, 2019, becoming the first Chinese national to lead the FAO. Qu Dongyu has a strong background in agricultural sciences and has previously held various positions within the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture, which equips him with the knowledge and experience necessary to address global challenges related to food security, nutrition, and sustainable agricultural practices. Under his leadership, the FAO has focused on innovative technologies and strategies to tackle issues such as climate change, hunger, and agricultural productivity, aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. This alignment with pressing global health and food security issues is fundamental for the organization’s mission.

In contrast, the other individuals listed were not Directors of FAO at the relevant time. Jacques Diouf served as Director-General of FAO from 1994 to 2011 but is no longer in that position. Ban Ki-moon and Antonio Guterres have both served as Secretaries-General of the United Nations but have not held the position of FAO Director. Hence, Qu Dongyu's appointment is a significant and up-to-date answer to who leads the FAO today.