ROME—The fourth annual World Food Forum (WWF) 2024 concluded recently 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. FAO News
Mohamed Irfaan Ali, president of the Co-Operative Republic of Guyana, said the 2024 World Food was as a call to action to address global food security challenges driven by climate change, conflict and inequality. He stressed 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 congratulated FAO for successfully hosting the 2024 World Food Forum. She cited 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.
