The United Nations (UN)’s World Food Day (WFD) is annually observed across the globe on 16 October to raise awareness about healthy diets, promote action against malnutrition and food security, and the need for regular access to nutritious food.
- The day also commemorates the establishment of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN in 1945.
Theme:
The theme of WFD 2024 is “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future”.
- The theme highlights the essential human right to accessible, nutritious, affordable, and sustainable food, highlighting its importance in safeguarding everyone’s well-being and dignity.
Note: The observance of WFD is led by the FAO. WFD is one of the most celebrated days on the UN calendar.
Background:
i.WFD was established in 1979 during the 20th session of the Conference of FAO, held in Rome, Italy.
ii.On 5 December 1980, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/35/70 and proclaimed the 16th of October of every year as WFD.
iii.The first-ever WFD was observed on 16 October 1981.
World Food Day Events 2024:
i.The 2024 WFD events are taking place as part of the 4th edition of the World Food Forum (WFF 2024), a youth-led movement and network to transform our agrifood systems
- The 2024 WFF flagship events are scheduled from 14 to 18 October 2024 at the Headquarters of FAO in Rome, Italy.
- The WFF 2024 is committed to the theme: “Good food for all, for today and tomorrow”
ii.WFF was organised around the three pillars of the WFF, Global Youth Forum, FAO Science and Innovation Forum, and FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum.
FAO Award for Achievement:
i.The FAO Conference, during its 42nd Session in June 2021, agreed to institute the “FAO Award for Achievement.”
ii.This award, designed to be an integral part of the annual World Food Day celebrations, will be presented to commendable entities or individuals, including FAO teams and employees.
iii.The Award is conferred for activities and programs with remarkable achievements conducted during the biennium preceding the current year.
Nature of the Award:
- A scroll describing the achievements of the recipient institution and/or an award;
- A cash prize of USD 10,000.
Winners of FAO Award for Partnership 2024:
- The Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) in Wallingford, the United Kingdom(UK).
- The Metropolitan City of Ulsan from the Republic of Korea.
Junior World Food Day 2024:
i.The 4th edition of the hybrid Junior WFD event held in Rome on 17 October 2024.
- It includes international food heroes and chefs, Max Mariola, Matteo Ward, Andile Mnguni, and Shreyaa Venkat.
Key Facts:
i.Agriculture accounts for 70% of global freshwater withdrawals, followed by industry, which accounts for below 20%, and domestic municipal, which accounts for 12%.
- Global water demand for agriculture is expected to increase by 35% by 2050.
ii.Around 600 million people depend, at least partially, on aquatic food systems for a living.
iii.With around 730 million people facing hunger and more than 2.8 billion people globally unable afford healthy diets,
Points to Note:
i.During the celebration the FAO signed the Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM).
- This agreement involves work on FAO’s upcoming project of a Food and Agriculture Museum and Network, as part of a collaboration between FAO and host country, Italy.
ii.To be inaugurated on 16 October 2025, to mark FAO’s 80th anniversary, the museum will serve as a permanent exhibition and educational space open to the public.
About United Nations (UN):
Secretary-General – António Guterres
Headquarters – New York City, the United States of America
Established – 1945
About Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO):
Director General(DG)– Qu Dongyu
Headquarters – Rome, Italy
Established – 1945
