Cathy CAO Xi

Ms. Cathy CAO Xi is a results-driven development finance professional with a proven track record in agri-food investment operations management, policy analysis, and strategic partnerships. Currently excelling as the project manager of FARM Global Child Project at the Green Growth Knowledge Partnership of the United Nations Environment Programme, Cathy has a consistent record of delivering impactful results throughout her career. Notably, she served as the Regional Innovative Finance Specialist for the FAO Regional Office for the Asia and Pacific, where she played a pivotal role in shaping regional SSTC Strategy and Action Plans for FAO, along with spearheading innovative finance initiatives like Hand-in-Hand initiative. Previously, she held positions as a Programme Specialist for IFAD in Beijing and Rome, and as an Associated Research & Policy Officer for the UNDP China office, consistently delivering measurable results across organizations.

Prior to UN Career, she was a frontline social worker serving for NGOs in Hong Kong and Singapore. She is a PhD Candidate for China Academy of Agricultural Science and received a Master in International Development in Paris University Nanterre. Outside her work, she is passionate on organic farming, sustainable fashion, and youth empowerment.