The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), led by Director-General QU Dongyu, has appointed Mr. Rene Orellana Halkyer, a citizen of Bolivia, as the new Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean. This appointment follows a rigorous global competitive selection process.
According to the FAO, Mr. Orellana Halkyer earned his doctorate in Law from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, with a focus on Interlegality and Legal Fields. His academic background also includes a Master’s degree in Law and Economics of Climate Change from the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO) in Argentina, a Master’s in Energy and Environmental Policy and Management from FLACSO Mexico, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from San Simón University in Bolivia.
Prior to his role at FAO, he served as the Regional Manager for Mexico and Central America and as the representative for the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) in Mexico, starting in March 2022.
In 2019, he was appointed as Bolivia’s Ambassador to Uruguay, serving as the country’s diplomatic representative to the Eastern Republic of Uruguay, as well as the official envoy to MERCOSUR and ALADI.
Between 2015 and 2017, he held the position of Ambassador on a special mission with full authority, focusing on environmental and developmental issues at the United Nations. During this period, he also served as Bolivia’s Minister for Development Planning.
His ministerial roles include serving as Minister for Environment and Water from April 2009 to January 2010, Minister for Water from April 2008 to January 2009, and Vice Minister for Basic Services in 2006.
Additionally, Mr. Orellana Halkyer has worked as an Advisor to the Executive Directorate for Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay at the World Bank Group.
He led Bolivia’s delegation as Chair of the G77+China at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) during COP20, and was involved in the ministerial facilitation team for the negotiations of the Paris Agreement (COP21). He also contributed to the development of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Upon taking up his new responsibilities, Mr. Orellana Halkyer emphasized Latin America and the Caribbean’s capacity to spearhead a transition toward more sustainable food and agriculture systems.
“The region offers unique conditions to drive development, innovation, and social well-being. We will work to promote strategic investments aligned with global initiatives such as Hand-in-Hand, to strengthen productivity, boost rural economies, and improve the quality of life of communities,” he stated.
He added,”We will continue working closely with all countries in the region, the private sector, development banks, and our international partners to advance solutions that ensure food security, and a prosperous and sustainable future
FAO said that throughout his extensive career, he has been deeply committed to sustainable development, transforming agrifood systems, climate action, international cooperation, and enhancing public governance across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Mr. Orellana Halkyer officially assumed his new role on 1 November 2025.
