Across the globe, cultural, traditional or religious values continue to be used to justify persecution, discrimination, bullying and ill-treatment against LGBTI persons. Even in countries with legal protection, stigmatisation due to homophobia, transphobia and biphobia remains high. It is our duty to combat this, notably through our policies, concrete actions and communication, which should be inclusive, respectful and leaving no one behind.

The candidacy of Ms Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle for the post of Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, was submitted in Rome on Monday 17 December 2018. The next Director General will be elected by the 194 Member States of the Organisation during its 41st Conference in June 2019. Ms Geslain-Lanéelle from France was identified as the EU candidate by the Council of the European Union on 15 October 2018.