Rome - The 41st session of the FAO Conference opened on Saturday in Rome with a work focused on the assessment of the state of food and agriculture, and it will last until June 29.

Another relevant issue addressed by the highest level of government of the UN specialized organization will be the election of the new General Director on Sunday to substitute the Brazilian Jose Graziano da Silva.

The candidates endorsed by their respective governments are Qu Dongyu from China, Catherine Geslain-Laneelle from France and Davit Kirvalidze from Georgia; all of them will speak on Saturday in plenary.

The Conference members will vote secretly following the 'one country-one vote' system, which requires a simple majority for a valid result.

The next director will be appointed to the term from August 1, 2019 to July 31, 2023 and may be re-elected to fulfil a single additional four-year term, as was the case of Da Silva, who held the position during two terms ( 2011-2019).

The sessions of the Conference will open with the election of its President and Vice Presidents, the appointment of the members of the General Committee and the Credentials Committee, as well as the approval of the program and the provisions for the session.

Likewise, during the 41st session, parallel events will be held, dedicated to the progress of the different regions towards food security and nutrition, biodiversity and the role of youngsters in agriculture.