World food day/world food summit

Abstract

World Food Day, established by the FAO Conference in 1979 and endorsed by the UN General Assembly in 1980, is observed annually on October 16 to promote global solidarity in combating hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. The 1996 theme, "Fighting Hunger and Malnutrition," highlights the urgent need to address chronic undernourishment affecting over 800 million people in developing countries, including 200 million children under five suffering from protein or energy deficiencies. By 2030, global food production must increase by over 75% to feed an additional 3 billion people. Challenges include affordability and access to food, even where supplies exist. The Summit, themed "Food for All," will unite governments, UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society to develop a strategy for eradicating hunger. The focus is on actionable commitments in seven areas, including sustainable agriculture, trade policies, investment in rural development, and global cooperation to ensure food security at all levels.