Page 56 - 80 YEARS OF VOLUNTEER IMPACT WITH FAO

Food security Working towards a world without hunger

Ken Shimizu

TURNING PRINCIPLES INTO ACTION:
UN VOLUNTEERS AT THE HEART OF FAO’S WORK

As FAO Representative for Bhutan and Nepal, Ken Shimizu leads the
organization’s work in both countries, overseeing programmes, staff
and partnerships that aim to build more resilient agrifood systems. “I
joined FAO to help reduce hunger and poverty, and to address the gap
between developed and developing countries,” he shared. His path was
inspired by fellow Japanese professionals serving in the UN system,
52 including UN Volunteers.

Ken has worked closely with UN Volunteers in both countries. “They
bring energy, passion and a deep sense of service,” he said. In Bhutan,
a UN Volunteer with disabilities initiated important conversations on
inclusion in farming and agrifood systems—both within FAO and among
local partners. In Nepal, a youth volunteer helped build stronger ties
with youth-led groups working to improve food systems.

He sees UN Volunteers as integral to FAO’s work on the ground. “They
help turn our principles, Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better
Environment and Better Life, into real action, especially at community
A native of Japan, Ken Shimizu is the FAO Representative for Bhutan and Nepal. level.”
[FAO, 2025]
As FAO marks its 80th anniversary, Ken says it’s both a privilege and
a responsibility to contribute to its legacy: “It’s been a life-changing,
empowering experience and one I’ll always be grateful for.”