Islamabad, November 14, 2024 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), alongside the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the International Trade Centre (ITC), came together at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) to celebrate World Food Day 2024, together with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR), under the theme, “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future.”
Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research honoured the occasion as Chief Guest, joined by Ali Tahir, Federal Secretary for National Food Security & Research, Mohamed Yahya, UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, and Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan. The event brought together participants from high-ranking government officials, academia, research institutions, UN agencies, and students from various educational institutions.
In his keynote address, the Minister highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen food security, especially amid global challenges such as hunger, climate change, and economic disparities.
Mohamed Yahya, UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, highlighted that this year’s theme emphasizes food as a fundamental human right for survival, health, and dignity. With 40% of Pakistan’s population facing food insecurity, urgent action is needed. Students, who make up over 60% of the population, are key to driving change. This campaign is a long-term effort, and by raising awareness and taking action, students can lead the way in creating food systems that combat poverty, improve health, and build resilience. Let’s work together to make the right to food a reality for all.
Florence Rolle, FAO Pakistan’s Representative, emphasized the critical role of sustainable practices, collaborative policies, and community engagement in fostering resilient food systems. “With over 783 million people facing food insecurity globally, events like these serve as platforms for fostering dialogue and collaboration, bringing us closer to a future where everyone’s right to adequate food is fully realized,” Rolle remarked.
The event concluded a nationwide World Food Day campaign in Pakistan, which featured impactful activities aimed at raising awareness on food security and the necessity of sustainable agrifood systems. Engaging students, local farmers, and community members, the campaign included awareness walks, interactive sessions, and food-related competitions, advocating for a collective responsibility across government, private sector, and communities to ensure access to nutritious food for all.
The culminating event spotlighted a multi-sectoral approach to food security, stressing the need for policies that prioritize food rights, promote equitable resource distribution, and provide essential safety nets for vulnerable populations.
This year’s World Food Day observances also set the stage for FAO’s upcoming 80th anniversary in 2025, reinforcing the organization’s unwavering commitment to sustainable agrifood systems and the right to food for all.
In light of the recent SOFI report, which indicates that over 28% of the global population faces moderate to severe food insecurity, FAO is redoubling its efforts to support policies, partnerships, and interventions that address hunger and malnutrition at every level.
