On the occasion of World Food Day, 16 October 2024, the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing ICCROM as the first partner of the FAO’s Global Food and Agriculture Museum and Network. The ceremony was attended by ICCROM’s Director-General Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral, FAO’s Director-General Qu Dongyu, Director General for Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Stefano Gatti and Sabrina Alfonsi, Councilor to the Agriculture, Environment and Waste Cycle, Roma Capitale.

his partnership will promote knowledge-sharing on global culinary traditions and the safeguarding of intangible heritage and traditional knowledge, particularly Indigenous practices, as vital components of sustainable food systems.

The landmark collaboration will include initiatives for museum management and collection conservation related to traditional practices and food systems. It will also encompass broader cooperation on climate action, building disaster-resilient communities, and conducting impact assessments for heritage sites potentially affected by development projects. With its extensive experience in the World Heritage sphere, ICCROM will bring its expertise in conservation and site management to FAO’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) programme. Together, they will promote sustainable practices and advocate for the protection of nature and culture, with a special focus on Indigenous heritage. 

“The museum will serve as a permanent exhibition and educational space open to the public, dedicated to food and agriculture, to food culture, and to FAO’s mandate. This interactive, digital environment will foster knowledge-sharing and celebrate the richness of global culinary traditions,” stated FAO’s Director-General Qu Dongyu. “I welcome the ICCROM Director-General, Aruna Gujral, for joining us. This MoU marks the beginning of a meaningful collaboration for the Museum and Network.”

“Food is more than what we eat – if food could talk, it would tell us of our culture, our ancestors’ stories and our traditions, leveraging a unique sense of identity and belonging. Conservation of cultural and natural heritage is essential in community-led trajectories of change as a key driver for socio-economic growth,” said ICCROM’s Director-General, Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral. “Today, we mark the beginning of our strong partnership between ICCROM and FAO as together we will strive to fulfill an existential aspiration: preserve our legacy and pass it on to the generations to come – our heritage is our future.” 

FAO’s Global Food and Agriculture Museum, set to open next year, will serve as a permanent public exhibition and educational hub, featuring an interactive, digital space to explore food, agriculture, and the cultural and scientific legacies that connect humanity to the natural world.