World Food Forum: 2024 global flagship event opens in Rome

The fourth edition of the World Food Forum (WFF) flagship event, the largest annual gathering of agrifood systems stakeholders globally, opened today 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,” Qu 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.

Global leaders engage

The opening ceremony was a powerful display of global solidarity, highlighting the shared commitment to addressing the challenges facing our 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 Organization, 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 emphasized 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, emphasizing 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 endeavor, and emphasized the essential role of the FAO in promoting equitable access to food globally.

The three pillars

The 2024 World Food Forum continues to champion intergenerational collaboration and creativity through its three interlinked forums, each focused on a critical aspect of transforming agrifood systems:

WFF Global Youth Action Forum: This forum emphasizes the crucial role of youth in driving the future of food. It creates a dedicated space for young changemakers to lead discussions, share ideas, and advocate for solutions to key challenges such as hunger, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Through workshops, panels, and collaborative sessions, young leaders will have the opportunity to connect with policymakers and experts, empowering them to take action and innovate for a sustainable food future.

FAO Science and Innovation Forum: Bringing together scientists, researchers, and thought leaders from around the world, this forum highlights the importance of research and technological advancements in addressing agrifood systems challenges. Participants will explore cutting-edge innovations and scientific breakthroughs, with a special focus on leveraging technology to adapt to climate change, enhance food security, and improve sustainability. Collaborative sessions will encourage knowledge exchange and foster partnerships that can drive agrifood system transformation.

FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum: This forum centers on fostering investment strategies and financial collaborations aimed at promoting sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. It facilitates dialogue between governments, investors, and development organizations to mobilize resources for initiatives that enhance food security, reduce poverty, and support sustainable agriculture. Discussions will focus on identifying and scaling up impactful projects and financing mechanisms to ensure that the necessary resources are available to achieve global food security goals.

Throughout the week, these forums will host engaging dialogues, workshops, and discussions across a wide array of topics, including policy, science, innovation, education, culture, and investment. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the World Food Forum aims to catalyze action, create meaningful impacts, and accelerate progress on local, regional, and global levels.

In addition to these pillars, WFF 2024 will feature the Mid-term Forum of the UN Decade of Family Farming, integrated into youth-led, technical, and policy discussions. This celebrates family farming as the foundation of diverse, innovative, and dynamic agrifood systems.

The forum will also address water scarcity in agriculture through a Rome Water Dialogue session and highlight Indigenous practices that support a sustainable food future during the week-long Global Hub on Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems.

All these activities coincide with World Food Day on October 16, under the theme “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future,” emphasizing the need for universal access to diverse, nutritious, affordable, and safe food.

WFF Exhibit: A showcase of solutions

Today, the World Food Forum exhibits also opened at FAO headquarters, offering a vibrant and diverse showcase of innovative solutions, initiatives, and artistic expressions related to agrifood systems transformation.

The exhibition features interactive displays, presentations, and cultural performances. FAO and WFF are hosting exhibits on topics such as seeds, media for agrifood systems transformation, the International Year of Camelids, and regional youth action, among many others.

Attendees can also explore external exhibits like the "Ristolab - Taste Buds Reactivation Station," which delves into the connection between food and culture, or discover innovative farming techniques through the "Hitchhiker's Guide to Hydroponics."