Italy (Day 2): Elyx learns about the agricultural center of the UN

After having visited the EXPO Milan 2015 and having tasted food from all over the world, Elyx is now eager to visit the capital city of Italy, Rome. Elyx is then invited to come and learn about the United Nations in Italy. There is a strong UN presence in Rome, as three of its main organizations are headquartered in the city.

Elyx heads to the Food and Agricultural Organization, whose headquarter is located in the city center. During the trip, Elyx stops several times in astonishment at the beauty of Rome’s historical sites. From the worldwide famous Vatican City to the Circo Massimo to the vestiges of the Roman forum, Elyx is very impressed and learns that the whole city center is considered world heritage by UNESCO.

Elyx contemplates the ancient Forum. (Photo Credit: UNRIC/ Andrea Lapegna)

Elyx is welcomed by the colleagues at FAO who explain that their agency leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy.

Elyx is fascinated by the FAO building and decides to take pictures in front of it. The FAO – as Elyx has learned – is also highly involved with the Sustainable Development Goals and is a primary actor in the Zero Hunger Challenge.

Elyx poses in front of the FAO building, with the UN flag held high. (Photo Credit: UNRIC/ Andrea Lapegna)

Elyx is well aware that agriculture is particularly important for food safety around the globe, and decides to go visit the two other food agencies in Rome, the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, that together with the FAO form the agricultural pole of the UN.

Elyx is becoming curious: what do these agencies do? It is explained that the WFP is   the food assistance branch of the UN and the world’s largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security. It provides food to those in need. Elyx is glad to hear that the people working there are helping hungry people. IFAD, on its side, is dedicated to eradicating rural poverty in developing countries through financial funding.

Elyx is now happy, because it understands why all of the food-related agencies are based in the same city: so that they can work together towards the achievement of a common goal, the eradication of hunger.

Before leaving Rome, Elyx visits the Colosseum, the most iconic monument in the city.

Elyx cycles by the Colosseum, in an entirely pedestrian area of the city center, where the digital ambassador can freely ride bike. (Photo Credit: UNRIC/ Andrea Lapegna)

It is now time to relax. After having learned about the UN agencies in Italy, Elyx takes the chance to go and visit southern Italy and its beautiful sea.

Elyx relaxes in the wonderful sea of Calabria, whose warm temperature allow for a late summer bath. (Photo Credit: UNRIC/ Michael Durickas)

More Photos of Elyx in Italy (Full Flickr Gallery)

International Fund for Agricultural Development
United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute
International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
United Nations System Staff College
International Labour Organisation
Information and Training Centre of the International labour Organization
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees – Regional representation for Southern Europe
United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs
United Nations Office for Project Services
World Health Organization
United Nations Education Science and Culture Organization
International Centre for Theoretical Physics
World Water Assessment Programme
United Nations Industrial Development Organization
United Nations Logistics Base
United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot
World Bank
United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund
Global Compact Network
UN Women
United Nations Environmental Programme