2023-10-13 04:21:43
From 16 to 20 October, FAO Headquarters in Rome will host world leaders, experts, changemakers and indigenous youth and activists to work towards a sustainable future
Rome – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) hosts World Food Day and the World Food Forum, two initiatives critical to global efforts to transform agri-food systems and address food challenges. food security, sustainability and climate action.
Starting October 16, world leaders, experts, international financial institutions, public figures, the private sector and indigenous youth and activists will gather at a high-level celebration hosted by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, followed by of an entire week of events, dialogue forums and even laboratories aimed at youth, science and innovation, which will take place at the World Food Forum.
World Food Day
World Food Day, an annual event that commemorates FAO’s anniversary and is one of the United Nations’ most celebrated days, mobilizes global action to transform agri-food systems.
With its 2023 motto, “Water is life. Water nourishes. Leave no one behind”, this year the Day highlights the struggle of 2.4 billion people living in water-stressed countries and 600 million people who depend on aquatic food systems and who face pollution, the degradation of ecosystems and the effects of climate change.
The event, held in more than 150 countries, will serve as a meeting point for governments, businesses, civil society organizations and the public to collectively combat hunger and raise awareness of the profound repercussions of responsible management. of water in our agri-food systems.
World Food Day will feature 500 activities in 150 countries and will be broadcast through television, radio and social networks to millions of people. There will also be exhibitions, such as drone shows and images of illuminated monuments around the world, which will contribute to raising awareness.
Important acts to take into account:
Coldiretti Village (October 13-15): An FAO booth, located at the Circus Maximus in Rome, includes a wall projecting photos related to live climate action, where visitors can commit to achieve a world with more water and food security. Workshops for young children will be held focusing on this year’s theme.
Tree planting and inauguration of the FAO Park, World Collection of Trees and Flowers (15 October): An initiative in collaboration with Roma Capitale at Villa Pamphili, where 90 species of trees representing seven geographical areas around the world will be planted .
World Food Day Ceremony (16 October, 10:30 CEST): The main event will take place in the FAO Plenary Hall in Rome. Distinguished guests such as Mr QU Dongyu, Director-General of FAO, Mr Sergio Mattarella, President of Italy, and Mr Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, among others, will discuss the importance of action for water and climate. The FAO Achievement Award will also be awarded during the ceremony.
Junior World Food Day (October 19, 2:30 p.m. CEST): Students will gather for conversations with special guests such as chefs, athletes, activists and musicians to discuss water-saving measures and sustainable practices. A music video will be presented about the youth action, titled “Water is life. Water nourishes”, in order to encourage the participation and promotion of young people.
Exhibition: World Food Day Experience (16-20 October): An interactive water experience will be organized in the FAO Atrium, including a wall projecting live climate action photos, interactive games for children and an immersive water experience that will highlight the essential role of water in life and agri-food systems.
In parallel to the celebrations of World Food Day, the World Food Forum will host a series of events in Rome from 16 to 20 October: the World Youth Forum, the FAO Science and Innovation Forum and the FAO Hand in Hand Initiative Investment Forum.
With the overarching theme “Transforming agri-food systems accelerates climate action”, this forum emphasizes inclusivity, innovation, evidence-based approaches and concrete investments in countries.
The World Food Forum, held virtually at FAO Headquarters in Rome, will bring together some 10,000 participants, including experts, changemakers and leaders, to address global food systems challenges. agri-food.
The inclusive event encourages attendees to co-create a future in which food security and environmental sustainability are universal realities.
Hand in Hand Initiative Investment Forum: Country-led and country-driven initiatives to promote investment in sustainable agriculture
The Hand in Hand Initiative Investment Forum will take place from October 17 to 20, 2023 in Rome and will involve 31 countries. Potential investors will learn about investment opportunities, and countries will present investment plans focused on reducing poverty and hunger.
The forum will also highlight regional Dry Corridor and Sahel initiatives, emphasizing the importance of long-term financing, blended financing structures and risk mitigation mechanisms in support of sustainable agri-food systems.
Bilateral meetings between ministers and senior officials of each participating country with potential development partners may be organized at any time, especially during and after the event.
The complete program and investment plans can be obtained by clicking here.
World Youth Forum
Focusing on the younger generation, this forum emphasizes the role of youth in driving change for climate action. It offers the opportunity to be part of the transformation towards universal food security and environmental sustainability.
Attendees will have access to rich conversations, dialogues and debates, as well as roundtable discussions, policy debates and observations from global visionaries and experts. Through collaborative workshops, interactive demonstrations, cutting-edge research, innovation labs and key tools, participants will be empowered to make tangible impacts in their communities and beyond.
This year the World Youth Forum will also include in parallel the United Nations World Indigenous Youth Forum. The biennial event will serve as a vital platform for indigenous youth from around the world to engage in important dialogues and promote meaningful change.
The complete program of both forums can be obtained by clicking here.
Science and innovation forum
The 2023 FAO Science and Innovation Forum focuses on “Science and innovation for climate action”, under the overall theme of the World Food Forum.
The event aims to improve the accessibility of climate technologies, innovative practices and local knowledge in favor of adaptation to climate change, mitigation of its effects and resilience to them in agri-food systems. It focuses on the role of science, technology and innovation in transforming agri-food systems to address climate challenges.
The forum encourages the exchange of practical solutions to enhance climate action, in support of the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and FAO’s “four bests”, while ensuring inclusivity.
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