The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the government of Guatemala have signed an agreement to strengthen food security until 2029.

A joint roadmap redefines national priorities. Official statements highlight the urgency of closing gaps and investing in innovative solutions. Expectations are high for the changes promised in the coming years (Courtesy of SEGEPLAN). The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Guatemala signed the new Country Programming Framework 2026–2029 on May 11, 2026, a roadmap aimed at strengthening food security, reducing poverty, and transforming the country's agri-food systems. According to the official statement from the Vice Presidency of the Republic of Guatemala, this agreement establishes a structural commitment between the State and international cooperation to influence public policies, ensure better nutrition, and advance environmental resilience, aligning efforts towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The ceremony was held at the National Palace of Culture, with the participation of René Orellana Halkyer, Deputy Director-General and Regional Representative of the FAO for Latin America and the Caribbean, and Carlos Mendoza, Secretary of Planning and Programming of the Presidency (SEGEPLAN). Also present were Rafael Zavala, FAO Representative in Guatemala, Miguel Barreto, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in the country, and, as an honorary witness, the Vice President of the Republic, Karin Herrera. The event brought together authorities from the Executive Branch, delegations from the United Nations System, representatives from academia, civil society organizations, and international cooperation, according to the Vice Presidency. The FAO and the Government sign a commitment until 2029. Leaders emphasize the importance of climate adaptation and social inclusion. An agreement that could mark a turning point in international cooperation (Courtesy of SEGEPLAN). The Country Programming Framework 2026–2029 defines the priorities for FAO technical assistance in Guatemala, establishing the alignment of institutional cooperation with the National Development Plan K'atun 2032, national development priorities, the 2024–2028 government policy, and the United Nations framework for Sustainable Development. Three main pillars guide the FAO's work in this phase: innovation and inclusion for sustainable production, focused on strengthening the capacities of family farmers and optimizing both access to markets and the resilience of the rural sector; the promotion of healthy food environments to reduce all forms of malnutrition; and the strengthening of the governance of natural resources and adaptation to climate variability, with emphasis on the sustainable management of ecosystems. Vice President Karin Herrera stated: "Today we take an important step towards our shared goal, that all Guatemalans have the opportunity to live in a country with more opportunities and well-being. May this signing remind us that addressing food insecurity and malnutrition is not an isolated task; it requires multi-sectoral alliances, shared participation, and the implementation of sustainable policies." Carlos Mendoza, Secretary of SEGEPLAN, emphasized the strategic direction of the project: "Today, with the signing of this Framework, we reaffirm our commitment to results-oriented planning, inclusive and sustainable development, and international cooperation that effectively contributes to closing gaps and generating opportunities in our country." Authorities and specialists discuss the impact of technology on rural development. The goal, according to the Vice Presidency, is to create opportunities for everyone. Malnutrition and poverty are the focus of sustainable policies (Courtesy of SEGEPLAN). For his part, René Orellana Halkyer, Regional Representative of the FAO for Latin America and the Caribbean, noted: "The signing of this instrument represents a valuable opportunity to continue consolidating a joint cooperation agenda aligned with national priorities, government planning, and the country's development vision. We thank the Government of Guatemala for its trust and the invitation to participate in this important process," according to the Vice Presidency. The agreement constitutes the main planning guideline for technical cooperation between the FAO and Guatemala until 2029, with an impact on food security, the reduction of inequalities, and the fight against poverty. Its design responds to the goal of combining institutional efforts in favor of sustainable development and resilience to climate and social challenges.