WFF2024 closes as participants commit to address hunger, climate change, others
The fourth annual World Food Forum (WFF) 2024 concluded on Friday 18 October 2024 in Rome, marking the end of an impactful week at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) dedicated to transforming global agrifood systems.
The event brought together thousands of participants from around the world who engaged in dynamic discussions and collaborative action across a range of critical issues, including investment, science and innovation, youth engagement, family farming, indigenous food systems, and water management. Participants – youth, farmers, policymakers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and indigenous communities – were all committed to addressing the urgent challenges of hunger, climate change and inequality, among others.
This year’s Forum, themed “Good food for all, for today and tomorrow,” was a resounding success, with over 200 events, 8,000 in-person attendees, and a digital reach of 1.7 billion through social media campaigns. The event highlighted the power of collaborative efforts in driving agrifood systems transformation and ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sustainable food for all.
“As we look to the future, this week has reaffirmed the vital role of youth, women, and diverse stakeholders in shaping the future of our agrifood systems,” said FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, at the closing ceremony.
“It has shown us the exponential power of intergenerational collaboration across policy, science, innovation, education, culture, and investment,” he added.
Qu further emphasized the importance of the WFF as a platform for action, saying that “the WFF is where agrifood systems transformation can truly take shape through concrete actions, partnerships, alliances, and crucial financing. Let us continue to support our young leaders, who are already mobilizing at the local level… Their commitment is a beacon of hope and progress.”
The closing ceremony also had the participation of high-level guests, who underscored the importance of the forum.
Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-Operative Republic of Guyana said that the 2024 World Food was as a call to action to address global food security challenges driven by climate change, conflict, and inequality. He emphasized the need for global collaboration and resilient food systems, with a focus on empowering women and youth in agriculture. He added that Guyana is committed to sustainable transformation, aiming to make Good Food for All –Today and Tomorrow a reality.
Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Agriculture of Thailand expressed, on behalf of the Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra, congratulated FAO for successfully hosting the 2024 World Food Forum. She emphasized Thailand’s commitment to transforming agrifood systems through intergenerational collaboration and partnerships across various sectors. Additionally, she invited global participation in World Soil Day and the upcoming 2024 Soil and Water Forum in Bangkok.
Key highlights from the week:
Global Youth Forum: Young leaders took center stage, launching the first-ever Global Youth Action Plan, a roadmap for driving impact and shaping the future of food. The Youth Innovation Lab recognized and rewarded young researchers and entrepreneurs, fostering out-of-the-box solutions for agrifood challenges. Youth from 25 WFF National Chapters led initiatives to build momentum for change at all levels. The forum also saw the launch of the “FAO Four Betters Courses,” an online repository of over 600 multilingual certified courses offered free of charge, strengthening FAO’s collaboration with academia and research institutions.
FAO Science and Innovation Forum: This forum showcased groundbreaking advancements in biotechnologies, digital technologies, and community-led initiatives. It emphasized the importance of closing the science, technology, and innovation gap in low- and middle-income countries, ensuring that everyone benefits from progress.
Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum: This forum facilitated partnerships and mobilized investments in sustainable agrifood systems. With 29 countries and 5 regional initiatives presenting investment plans and opportunities, a total of 115 investments were showcased, designed for over 120 million beneficiaries.
The newly launched Investor Networking Lounge fostered collaboration between investors, governments, and the private sector. FAO also showcased its expanded Agro-informatics platform, utilizing cutting-edge AI and advanced mapping for agrifood investments, as well as the new online Ex-ACT carbon accounting tool. Those Government-led agrifood investments included more than $15 billion of detailed agrifood investment opportunities
Global Family Farming Forum: Celebrating the midpoint of the UN Decade of Family Farming, this forum brought together thousands of participants to share experiences and identify concrete policy solutions to support family farmers. The event amplified the crucial role of family farmers in agrifood systems transformation. At least 8 million were reached by community radio programs, and thousands followed the event via live web stream.
Global Hub on Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems meeting: Indigenous and non-indigenous experts collaborated to co-create knowledge and influence global policy discussions on indigenous food systems. The forum highlighted the vital role of indigenous knowledge in promoting sustainable agriculture and preserving biodiversity. FAO also announced that it will host the Third Session of the UN Global Indigenous Youth Forum in 2025, furthering its commitment to indigenous youth engagement.
Rome Water Dialogue: This dialogue focused on integrated water resource management and its impact on agrifood systems. Participants adopted the Rome Declaration on Water Scarcity in Agriculture, enhancing collaboration and mobilizing commitments to address water scarcity challenges.
World Food Day: Celebrated under the theme “Right to Foods, for a better life and a better future,” –with the S ‘standing for diversity, nutrition, affordability, accessibility and safety, World Food Day served as a powerful reminder of the fundamental right to food.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, FAO Nutrition Ambassador King Letsie III of Lesotho, Pope Francis, and the UN Secretary-General, among other global leaders, lent their voices to this urgent cause during a high-level ceremony. The event drew over 1,000 attendees in Rome and resonated worldwide, with over 150 events around the world.
Pro bono advertising on city screens, public transport, airports, cinemas, and shopping centers further amplified the message in over 50 countries. Additionally, 19 landmarks around the world were lit up in blue to show support for this initiative.
The day also featured the unveiling of the logo for the Food and Agriculture Museum & Network, set to open in Rome on World Food Day 2025. It will be an interactive space showcasing global food and agriculture, accessible both in-person and digitally. World Food Day also launched FAO’s “80-1 Anniversary Countdown,” a year-long celebration leading up to FAO’s 80th anniversary. This countdown highlights FAO’s history and its vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in addressing food security challenges.
Youth World Food Day: This special event engaged young people in the fight against hunger and malnutrition during a series of events and a school assembly that brought over 3000 children and youth to FAO headquarters. It featured inspiring activists like Chef Binta, who shared her knowledge of traditional African cuisine and the importance of sustainable food systems, and Max Mariola, who highlighted the accessibility and sustainability of smart food choices. The Harlem Globetrotters also joined the celebration, using their unique blend of athleticism and entertainment, to champion the important cause of food security and to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating and active lifestyles.
The World Food Forum 2024 concluded with a renewed sense of urgency and commitment to action. The next World Food Forum will take place from 13 to 17 October 2025.
‘’I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you and seeing the ongoing impact of our collective efforts. Thank you for your participation, your energy, and your dedication. Only together can we ensure a “Good food for all, for today and tomorrow,’’ FAO Director-General said, closing the event.
