Many of the agrifood systems that feed the world are severely impacted by global warming, extreme weather events, degradation of land and water resources, conflict, pandemics and demographic shifts. Disruptions to global agrifood systems have resulted in widespread hunger, malnutrition and inequality. Elimination of hunger and improvement in nutrition will require major transformations of agrifood systems in many parts of the world. Innovative applications of science and technology will play significant roles in the necessary transformations. Gene-editing technology represents one of the most recent advances in genetics and its application to plant and animal breeding, and is set to contribute to improvements in many aspects of agricultural production. Gene editing is not a stand-alone technology and is not the only solution for the problems currently faced by agrifood systems. It should be integrated into plant and animal breeding systems and used alongside other improved practices and technologies. Gene editing may represent a further step towards the transformation of agrifood systems so that they can withstand better the current pressures and those they will face to an even greater extent in the future. It is important that interventions involving application of gene editing result in developments that are appropriate and sustainable and that are effective within the limits set by the environment. FAO is ready to play a leading role in this important area of scientific and technological advance by providing a neutral forum for constructive dialogue and exchange of knowledge and by promoting discussion on the applications of gene editing to agriculture and food production.