Evaluation of FAO’s contributions to Sustainable Development Goal 2

This document presents the results of a brief study of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) work on South–South and triangular cooperation. It was conducted as part of the strategic evaluation of FAO’s contributions to Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2), with a view to understanding the relevance of South–South and triangular cooperation as a mechanism for mobilizing resources and partnerships to support Members in achieving SDG 2, as well as to identify key challenges and opportunities for FAO to expand this mechanism in the context of the 2030 Agenda. South–South and triangular Cooperation is a relevant and effective means of implementing the SDGs, as highlighted by the 2030 Agenda and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. This study confirmed that South–South and triangular cooperation is an excellent mechanism for mobilizing partnerships, pooling resources for sustainable development and conveying innovative solutions. Within FAO, South–South and triangular cooperation has achieved significant milestones, especially in terms of structural change. However, its potential has not been fully explored. Challenges such as the high turnover of top management, inadequate visibility by senior management and insufficient resources may have hampered the consolidation of a South– South and triangular cooperation strategic vision and plan for the Organization. There is momentum and plenty of opportunity for FAO to tackle certain systemic challenges and strengthen its South– South and triangular cooperation work to accelerate progress on achieving SDG 2.