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World Food Forum: 2024 global flagship event opens in Rome
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Thursday, 17 October, 2024, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Rome
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The fourth edition of the World Food Forum (WFF), flagship event, the largest annual gathering of agrifood systems stakeholders globally, opened with a high-level ceremony at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), headquarters in Rome. Running from October 14 to 18, the event brings together global experts, young changemakers, investors, and visionary leaders to create new pathways for a sustainable, inclusive, and food-secure future.
“This year’s theme, 'Good food for all, for today and tomorrow,' reflects the core of FAO’s mission and brings together the importance of the Four Betters,” said FAO director-general Qu Dongyu, officially kicking off the event. The forum will include sessions focused on youth, science and innovation, and targeted investments, which he considers "key elements for transformational change."
“This independent and neutral space, initiated and hosted by FAO, strives to create a better world through youth-driven transformation of global agrifood systems,” Dongyu explained, adding that he is inspired by the WFF's growth into a leading youth-led global platform since its launch in 2021.
Over the coming days, Qu urged young people — and the young at heart — to engage with FAO, voice their concerns, and fight for the issues that matter to their generation.
The opening ceremony was a powerful display of global solidarity, highlighting the shared commitment to addressing the challenges facing the agrifood systems. Influential leaders and young advocates delivered inspiring messages, stressing the urgent need for collaborative action.
High-level guests expressed their support for the World Food Forum’s three pillars - Global Youth Action, Science and Innovation and Hand-in-Hand Investment - and reaffirmed their countries' commitments to transforming agrifood systems.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organisation, highlighted key challenges to global food security, including hunger, climate change, and trade distortions, particularly in Africa and South Asia. She emphasized the need for agricultural trade reform through the WTO to make agrifood systems more resilient and sustainable. Okonjo-Iweala underscored the importance of forums like the WFF in fostering collaboration to address these issues.
King Mswati III of Eswatini emphasised the urgent need to transform agrifood systems to address hunger, malnutrition, and climate change. He praised the WFF focus on "Good Food for All, Today and Tomorrow," stressing the importance of self-sufficiency, sustainability, and international cooperation. The King urged immediate action to ensure resilient food systems and a hunger-free future for all.
King Letsie III of Lesotho called for urgent global action to address food security challenges, emphasising the need for private sector investment, climate-resilient agriculture, and sustainable solutions. He highlighted how current food systems are failing to provide healthy diets for all and urged for stronger global cooperation. The King praised the FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative as a vital tool to drive development and investment.
Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona, President of the Dominican Republic, highlighted in a video message the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and the role of small farmers in food production. He outlined key strategies, including enhancing agricultural production, promoting exports, and providing support for vulnerable populations.
Nyuma Boakai, President of Liberia, called for global collaboration to adapt to climate change, promote local food production, and establish social safety nets for vulnerable populations. He underscored that the WFF provides an opportunity for participants to reflect, deliberate, and commit to actions that can transform national and community agrifood systems.
In a video message, Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, President of Peru, stressed the importance of the WFF in addressing global hunger and food insecurity, noting that one in eleven people suffers from hunger. He outlined Peru's commitment to sustainable food systems, promoting policies to support family farmers, reduce food loss, and adapt to climate change.
Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, said in a video adress that this year's World Food Day theme, "Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future," resonates with the Caribbean, where the high costs of healthy diets demand urgent action. The Prime Minister called for sustainable investments in agriculture and water management to enhance food security, emphasizing the importance of innovation and collaboration in transforming agrifood systems.
Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of Cuba, highlighted efforts to boost food production by increasing the cultivation of grains, sugarcane, and fruits to diversify the economy and enhance export capacity. He emphasized the importance of sustainable agriculture and responsible resource management, aligning these initiatives with national food sovereignty and security priorities.
Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan, acknowledged FAO's crucial role in transforming food systems and expressed Bhutan's commitment to overcoming agricultural challenges through innovative initiatives. He called for increased support for sustainable agricultural practices and innovative financing to ensure food security and better nutrition for all, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Santiago Peña Palacios, President of Paraguay, highlighted the urgency of addressing hunger and inequality, stressing the need for policies that guarantee food security for all. The president called for a collective international effort to ensure food security, underscoring Latin America's potential to lead in this endeavour, and emphasized the essential role of the FAO in promoting equitable access to food globally.
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