Rome’s status as the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP) adds a distinctive multilateral dimension to South Africa’s relationship with Italy.  Through its Embassy in Rome, South Africa also serves as Permanent Representation to these Rome-based UN agencies, providing an important platform for advancing the country’s priorities in food security, sustainable agriculture, rural development, humanitarian assistance and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

In addition to its engagement with the Rome-based UN agencies, the Embassy maintains close with cooperation and represents South Africa at the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) and the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM).

In its multilateral capacity, the Embassy serves as South Africa’s Permanent Representation to:

• the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO);
• the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD); and
• the World Food Programme (WFP).

These partnerships contribute to South Africa’s broader objectives of strengthening international law, promoting the protection of cultural heritage, and advancing effective multilateral cooperation.

South Africa’s strategic multilateral priorities include:

South Africa’s participation in Rome-based multilateral institutions is guided by its national development priorities and international commitments, including:

• The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (link)
• The African Union Agenda 2063 (link)
• The National Development Plan: Vision 2030 (link)
• Relevant international treaties and agreements (link)

Through these frameworks, South Africa contributes to global efforts in poverty reduction, food security, sustainable development, and equitable international governance.