World Food Day 2024: Ensure food security for a sustainable future

FAO was founded on October 16, 1945. In November 1979, the 20th United Nations General Assembly decided to designate the day of FAO’s founding as “World Food Day”. The establishment of this commemorative day aims to raise people’s attention to food security and nutrition issues and call for effective actions to ensure that everyone can enjoy sufficient and nutritious food. This year’s theme is “Food Security for the World, Building a Better Life and a Better Future”.

Multiple challenges coexist

Guterres pointed out that global hunger and malnutrition have become a reality for billions of people. Currently, about 733 million people are facing hunger due to conflict, marginalization, climate change, poverty and economic recession. Especially in Gaza and Sudan, people are facing the severe threat of man-made famine. In addition, 2.8 billion people in the world cannot afford a healthy diet, and health problems such as obesity are becoming increasingly prominent.

He stressed that zero hunger is achievable. The 2021 Food Systems Summit has pointed out the way to address inefficiencies and inequities in the food system. He called on all sectors of society to jointly promote comprehensive changes in the food system to make it more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable.

Guterres pointed out that governments must work with all partners to incentivize the production and sale of healthy, nutritious food at affordable prices. He called on all parties to step up efforts to fight hunger and malnutrition, safeguard everyone’s right to food, and jointly create a better life and future.

Pay attention to the grassroots people

Pope Francis pointed out that ensuring everyone’s right to food is an important way to meet basic human needs.

He stressed that FAO should promote the transformation of food systems, and pointed out that political and international leaders need to pay attention to the needs of the grassroots people, especially small farmers and families, to promote food security and healthy diets.

He called on the global community to take effective measures in a spirit of solidarity to address injustice and provide everyone with enough quality food so that everyone can live a decent life.

Humanitarian needs surge

World Food Programme Executive Director McCain stressed that humanitarian needs are increasing and global hunger is becoming increasingly serious, especially in Darfur, Sudan, Gaza and Haiti.