Rome – Iran's Permanent Representative to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has hailed the selection of an Iranian woman among the world's 100 female agriculture and rural development heroes as proof of Tehran's commitment to women as leaders and change-makers in agri-food systems.

 

Ambassador Ali Kiani-Rad congratulated Azadeh Ahmadi on her 2026 FAO honor, noting that eight Iranian candidates were nominated for the inaugural edition of the award.

 

 He credited Iran's agricultural extension and international affairs bodies for facilitating the nomination process.

 

Kiani-Rad said the FAO Director-General had acknowledged Iran's dedication to empowering women in the sector. "Ahmadi's achievement is not merely personal—it reflects our national commitment to women as innovators, entrepreneurs, and drivers of food security and rural resilience," he said.

 

He added that her work would inspire women and youth globally, proving the transformative impact of female leadership in sustainable agriculture and community development.

 

Azadeh Ahmadi is among the first cohort of FAO Women Heroes in Agricultural-Food Systems and Rural Development, selected in 2026.