Christophe Paul / USDA
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is examining plans for a global pollinator platform at its first conference dedicated to the animals that support food production, biodiversity and rural livelihoods.
The November 5–6 meeting at FAO headquarters in Rome is considering how to connect existing conservation initiatives and strengthen action within countries. The platform remains a proposal under discussion, rather than an institution already launched.
Opening the conference on November 5, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu said about three-quarters of the world’s most important food crops rely on pollination for their quantity, quality and diversity. He called for international commitments to deliver practical results for farmers and communities.
The discussions include locally led conservation and the contribution of Indigenous Peoples, farmers, women and young people. FAO also highlighted the need for sustained investment and partnerships among governments, researchers, development organisations, financial institutions and the private sector.
The proposed platform follows a recommendation made in March 2025 by FAO’s Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, subsequently endorsed by the FAO Conference.
According to the meeting’s published framework, a platform could help countries share research and data, improve monitoring and technical capacity, obtain policy guidance and mobilise resources. Its intended role is to strengthen existing efforts, including the International Pollinators Initiative under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
FAO identifies habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, pesticide use, invasive species, pests and diseases among the pressures facing pollinators. The issue extends beyond honeybees: butterflies, birds and other pollinating animals also support agricultural and ecological systems.
The conference is open to FAO member countries, international organisations, technical specialists and community representatives, with proceedings offered in six languages and streamed online.
The meeting is intended to define the next steps towards establishing and operating the platform. FAO’s opening announcement sets out that aim but does not report a final agreement.
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