LAHORE: The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), launched Pakistan’s World Food Day 2026 campaign with a call for greater innovation, research and collaboration to build more productive, nutritious and resilient food systems.
The event was organised by the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the UVAS City Campus Lahore under the theme “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow.”
The programme featured an awareness walk, seminar, FAO documentary screening, panel discussion and tree plantation. UVAS Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Masood Rabbani presided over the seminar, while FAO Pakistan Officer-in-Charge James Okoth and Head of Provincial Office World Food Programme Punjab Dr Amara Khan attended as guests of honour.
Nutritionists, professionals from the public and private sectors, faculty members and students also participated in the event.
Speaking at the seminar, Prof Dr Masood Rabbani said universities had a responsibility to turn research and knowledge into practical solutions. He said higher education institutions could contribute by developing the knowledge, skills and innovations needed to build healthier, more sustainable and resilient food systems.
He highlighted UVAS programmes related to poultry, fisheries, dairy and nutrition, saying the university produces trained graduates who contribute to livestock and allied sectors.
James Okoth said innovation had an important role in strengthening food security and nutrition. He stressed the need for stronger partnerships among government, academia, development partners, farmers and young people to transform food systems.
Earlier, Prof Dr Masood Rabbani led the awareness walk, which was joined by the FAO delegation, faculty members and students. James Okoth also planted a sapling outside the Vice-Chancellor’s Office as part of efforts to promote greenery on the campus.
A panel discussion titled “Transforming Pakistan’s Food Systems: How Can Innovation Make Pakistan’s Food Systems More Productive and Nutritious?” was also held.
The panel included FAO Head of Programme Amina Bajwa, WFP Punjab Head of Provincial Office Dr Amara Khan, FAO Youth Chapter Representative Ayesha Sabir, UVAS Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Masood Rabbani, Associate Professor of UVAS Department of Animal Nutrition Dr Naveed ul Haq, and Chairman Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition Prof Dr Sana Ullah Iqbal.
World Food Day is observed globally on October 16 to mark the founding of FAO in 1945. The 2026 campaign in Pakistan is being used by FAO and its partners to promote awareness and action on sustainable food production, healthy diets, reducing food waste and supporting farmers.
The event highlighted the importance of research, innovation and cooperation in developing food systems that can better support nutrition, livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
