The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has announced the appointment of Mr. Rene Orellana Halkyer as the new Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean. This decision, made under the leadership of FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, follows a highly competitive global selection process. Mr. Orellana Halkyer, a Bolivian national, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. He holds a doctorate in Law from the University of Amsterdam, specializing in Interlegality and Legal Fields, along with advanced degrees in Law and Economics of Climate Change, Energy and Environmental Policy, and a Bachelor’s in Sociology. His professional journey includes serving as Bolivia’s Ambassador to Uruguay, Regional Manager for Mexico and Central America at the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), and various ministerial roles in Bolivia, including Minister for Environment and Water. Mr. Orellana Halkyer has also been actively involved in international climate negotiations, including the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In his new capacity, he emphasized the region’s potential to lead sustainable food and agriculture systems, stating, ‘We will work to promote strategic investments aligned with global initiatives such as Hand-in-Hand, to strengthen productivity, boost rural economies, and improve the quality of life of communities.’ He officially assumed his role on November 1, 2025.
FAO announces selection of new assistant director-general and regional representative for Latin America and the Caribbean
