In November 1979, FAO’s Member Countries at the Organization’s 20th General Conference, designated October 16 the International World Food Day in honor of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It has since been observed every year in more than 150 countries, raising awareness of the issues behind hunger and poverty. World Food Day is celebrated widely by many other organizations concerned with food security, including the Program and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
The initial focus is to tackle global hunger and strive to eradicate hunger across the world. The day is celebrated by all UN member states. Since 1981, World Food Day has adopted a different theme each year in order to highlight areas needed for action and provide a common focus.
Majority of the topics revolve around agriculture because only investment in that – together with support for education and health – will turn this situation around.
The theme of World Food Day 2019 was ‘Zero Hunger’, with the objective of actions to make sustainable and healthy diets affordable and available to all. The Food and Agricultural Organization states that in recent decades, we have changed our eating habits and diets because of urbanization, globalization, and the rise of disposable income. Currently, approximately 815 million people around the world suffer from malnutrition and hunger.
World Food Day 2020 indicates the 75th anniversary of FAO in an exceptional moment as countries around the world deal with the widespread effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a time to look into the future we need to build together.
