A native Italian, Maurizio Martina holds both a master’s degree in political science and international relations, and a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations from the University of Macerata in Italy. Prior to joining FAO, Maurizio served as a member of the Italian Parliament at the House of Representatives as well as member of the Agricultural Commission in Rome. From 2014 to 2018, he was minister for agriculture, food and forestry in the government of Italy. He joined FAO in 2021 and is currently serving as deputy director-general at its headquarters in Rome, supporting the director-general in different external and internal strategic matters.