King Letsie III Attends Water Dialogue and Holds High-Level Meetings on the Margins of FAO’s 6th World Food Forum

His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho participated in a series of high-level engagements on the margins of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)’s 6th World Food Forum, highlighting the importance of water security, food security and international cooperation. The programme included attendance at the Water Dialogue, a courtesy call on Cardinal Peter Turkson, a tour of the FAO Museum and a courtesy meeting with FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu. These engagements provided opportunities to discuss issues connected to sustainable development, natural resource management and the global effort to address hunger and malnutrition. King Letsie III’s participation also brought attention to Lesotho’s interests in food systems, agriculture and the responsible management of water resources. The meetings formed part of the broader activities surrounding the World Food Forum, an international platform that brings together leaders, experts and stakeholders to consider solutions to pressing challenges affecting food and agriculture.

The Water Dialogue was an important part of the King’s programme, given the close relationship between water availability, agricultural production and food security. Reliable access to water is essential for growing crops, raising livestock and sustaining rural livelihoods. Water shortages, changing rainfall patterns and pressure on natural resources can affect agricultural productivity and make it harder for communities to maintain stable food supplies. For countries such as Lesotho, where water resources are important to both domestic development and regional cooperation, discussions on water management carry particular significance. The Water Dialogue offered a setting for engagement on the role of water in sustainable agriculture and the need for effective approaches to managing this vital resource.

King Letsie III also paid a courtesy call on Cardinal Peter Turkson during the engagements surrounding the FAO’s 6th World Food Forum. The meeting added a diplomatic and humanitarian dimension to the King’s programme, bringing together two prominent figures with interests in human development and global challenges. Food insecurity affects communities in many parts of the world and can have serious consequences for health, education and economic stability. Addressing these challenges requires cooperation among governments, international institutions, civil society and other organisations working to improve people’s lives. While the specific discussions from the courtesy call were not detailed, the meeting formed part of the King’s wider programme of engagements during the international forum.

At 14:00, His Majesty toured the FAO Museum, an institution that provides visitors with opportunities to explore themes related to food, agriculture and the work of the Food and Agriculture Organization. Museums and educational exhibitions can help explain how farming practices, food production and agricultural innovation have developed over time. They can also highlight the relationship between food systems, cultural traditions and the livelihoods of communities around the world. For a country such as Lesotho, where agriculture remains an important source of livelihood for many households, these themes are relevant to ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural resilience and improve food security. The museum tour formed another part of the King’s programme, connecting his participation in high-level meetings with the wider educational and institutional work of the FAO.

The final engagement was a courtesy call on FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu, who presented His Majesty with a gift of appreciation. The meeting provided an opportunity to recognise the King’s participation in the World Food Forum and his engagement with issues linked to food and agriculture. The FAO plays a central role in international efforts to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and promote sustainable management of natural resources. Its work includes supporting countries as they address challenges such as hunger, rural poverty, climate-related risks and pressures on agricultural systems. The courtesy call and presentation of the gift marked the conclusion of the King’s scheduled engagements described in the programme.

The 6th World Food Forum provided a broader setting for these activities, bringing international attention to the need for coordinated action on food systems and sustainable development. Food security is influenced by several connected factors, including water availability, agricultural production, access to markets and the ability of communities to withstand economic and environmental shocks. These challenges require solutions that reflect the circumstances of individual countries while also encouraging cooperation across borders. For Lesotho, engagement with international organisations such as the FAO creates opportunities to exchange knowledge, strengthen relationships and draw attention to priorities affecting agriculture and rural communities. Participation in international forums can also help maintain dialogue on practical measures that support more reliable food supplies and sustainable livelihoods.

Water management remains closely linked to the future of agriculture and food production, particularly as climate variability places pressure on farmers and rural communities. Effective water use can support crop production, improve resilience during dry periods and help protect natural resources for future generations. At the same time, sustainable food systems depend on more than water alone. Farmers need access to suitable seeds, agricultural knowledge, financing, infrastructure and markets where they can sell their produce. International cooperation can help countries identify approaches that address these connected needs while adapting solutions to local conditions. The themes reflected in King Letsie III’s engagements therefore relate to important questions about how countries can protect livelihoods and strengthen their capacity to produce and access food.

His Majesty King Letsie III’s participation in the FAO’s 6th World Food Forum brought together diplomatic engagement, discussions on water and food security, educational exposure and interaction with the organisation’s leadership. His attendance at the Water Dialogue highlighted a key resource for sustainable agriculture, while his courtesy call on Cardinal Peter Turkson formed part of the wider programme of international engagement. The tour of the FAO Museum offered an opportunity to explore the organisation’s work and the wider context of global food systems. The final courtesy call on Dr. Qu Dongyu, accompanied by a gift of appreciation, concluded the scheduled activities. Together, these engagements underscored the continuing importance of international cooperation, responsible resource management and sustained attention to food security as countries work towards a more sustainable future.