On October 17, 2023, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) commenced a week of activities in honor of World Food Day, an initiative designed to enhance the security and sustainability of global food systems. This year’s theme, "Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind," underscores the crucial role of water in ensuring food security for all.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu emphasized the vital connection between water and food, stating, "Without water, there is no food. And there is no food security without water security." He highlighted the challenges posed by rapid population growth, urbanization, industrialization, economic development, and climate change, all of which have placed significant strain on global water resources. Qu stressed the need for accelerated action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and preserve water for future generations.
In a video message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the urgency of sustainable water management for agriculture and food production. He called for collaborative efforts from governments, the private sector, civil society, and academia to combat hunger and malnutrition, urging the global community to prioritize the sustainable use of water resources.
World leaders, including Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Irish President Michael D. Higgins, and UN World Food Program Executive Director Cindy McCain, participated in the event, demonstrating a shared commitment to addressing the challenges faced by agrifood systems.
Following the World Food Day commemoration, the third edition of the World Food Forum (WFF) commenced both in Rome and online. Under the theme "Agrifood systems transformation accelerates climate action," the WFF, lasting until October 20, will host the WFF Global Youth Forum, the FAO Science and Innovation Forum, and the FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum. These forums, gathering approximately 10,000 participants from across the globe, provide a platform for discussions on pressing issues related to agrifood systems.
The WFF will feature food and farming-related exhibits and events, fostering dialogue among young people, farmers, experts, and investors. Notably, the WFF’s Global Education Fair will showcase youth-led projects worldwide, emphasizing the pivotal role of agrifood systems in advancing climate action. Among the finalists, two projects initiated by Green Light-Year, an environmental service center from China, will be presented online, exemplifying innovative approaches to address water resources protection and food security.
Gan Peiling, communications and partnership officer at FAO's China Office, highlighted efforts to raise public awareness in China. The Office organized a pro bono light show featuring interactive drone formations, aiming to educate the public about the importance of protecting water resources and ensuring food security.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu emphasized the vital connection between water and food, stating, "Without water, there is no food. And there is no food security without water security." He highlighted the challenges posed by rapid population growth, urbanization, industrialization, economic development, and climate change, all of which have placed significant strain on global water resources. Qu stressed the need for accelerated action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and preserve water for future generations.
In a video message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the urgency of sustainable water management for agriculture and food production. He called for collaborative efforts from governments, the private sector, civil society, and academia to combat hunger and malnutrition, urging the global community to prioritize the sustainable use of water resources.
World leaders, including Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Irish President Michael D. Higgins, and UN World Food Program Executive Director Cindy McCain, participated in the event, demonstrating a shared commitment to addressing the challenges faced by agrifood systems.
Following the World Food Day commemoration, the third edition of the World Food Forum (WFF) commenced both in Rome and online. Under the theme "Agrifood systems transformation accelerates climate action," the WFF, lasting until October 20, will host the WFF Global Youth Forum, the FAO Science and Innovation Forum, and the FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum. These forums, gathering approximately 10,000 participants from across the globe, provide a platform for discussions on pressing issues related to agrifood systems.
The WFF will feature food and farming-related exhibits and events, fostering dialogue among young people, farmers, experts, and investors. Notably, the WFF’s Global Education Fair will showcase youth-led projects worldwide, emphasizing the pivotal role of agrifood systems in advancing climate action. Among the finalists, two projects initiated by Green Light-Year, an environmental service center from China, will be presented online, exemplifying innovative approaches to address water resources protection and food security.
Gan Peiling, communications and partnership officer at FAO's China Office, highlighted efforts to raise public awareness in China. The Office organized a pro bono light show featuring interactive drone formations, aiming to educate the public about the importance of protecting water resources and ensuring food security.
