Global coordination and cooperation are an integral part of sustainable bioeconomy development. There is a need to implement agreed principles, criteria and monitoring systems that jointly address all dimensions of sustainability, to balance the trade-offs that can lead to the unsustainable implementation of the bioeconomy. Multilateral institutions have an important role to play in tailoring these sustainable bioeconomy tools and guidelines in different contexts globally, while providing a neutral platform where all countries and stakeholders have a central role in shaping the future bioeconomy. In this context the paper also contributes to the discussions around a set of High-Level Principles on Bioeconomy at the GIB. It presents an overview of FAO’s work on bioeconomy, resources and networks, and provides lessons learned and recommendations for both G20 Members and globally.