The last century has seen great socio-economic progress and significant welfare improvements worldwide. However, a world of “freedom from fear and want”, as envisioned by the founders of the United Nations, has yet to be achieved. Much also remains to be done to fulfil FAO’s vision of creating “a world free from hunger and malnutrition, where food and agriculture contribute to improving the living standards of all, especially the poorest, in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manner”.