On October 16, World Food Day is once again being celebrated globally, uniting over 150 countries to highlight the critical need for accessible, nutritious, and affordable food for all. This year’s theme, “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,” calls attention to the fundamental human right to adequate food, an essential component for life and dignity. The day encourages us all to consider the importance of food security, sustainable agriculture, and the global fight against hunger and malnutrition.

Despite the world’s farmers producing enough to feed the global population, hunger persists. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about 733 million people worldwide are facing hunger in 2023, a troubling statistic exacerbated by extreme weather conditions, economic downturns, and conflicts. These factors hit the most vulnerable communities, especially agricultural households, the hardest. The pandemic, ongoing inequality, and economic challenges have only deepened this crisis, reflecting widening disparities across and within countries.

The Diversity of Foods for a Better Future

World Food Day 2024 also focuses on the need for diversity in food systems. “Foods” in this context stands for diversity, nutrition, affordability, and safety. It emphasizes the necessity of a broader range of nutritious foods being available in our fields, markets, and on our tables. With over 2.8 billion people worldwide unable to afford a healthy diet (FAO, 2022), access to nutritious food has become a pressing issue. Poor and vulnerable communities often rely on cheaper, less nutritious staple foods, increasing the risk of malnutrition.

Malnutrition is no longer limited to hunger alone but now encompasses a wider spectrum of diet-related health issues. Unhealthy diets are the leading cause of all forms of malnutrition, including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and obesity, which exist in almost all countries, cutting across socio-economic classes. For many, this is a result of either the unaffordability of healthy food or the lack of knowledge and access to diverse, nutritious options. The current state of global food systems often leaves people with limited choices, pushing them toward foods that are readily available but lacking in essential nutrients.

Addressing Hunger in a Time of Crisis

The impacts of protracted crises – driven by climate change, conflicts, and economic shocks – have only worsened the situation. Agrifood systems are deeply vulnerable to these crises, yet they also play a role in exacerbating environmental degradation through pollution, soil depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions. To address both food insecurity and environmental challenges, it is crucial to transform these systems. The transformation offers an opportunity to build more resilient, inclusive, and climate-friendly agrifood systems, potentially mitigating climate change while promoting sustainable livelihoods.

The FAO has been at the forefront of this transformation. In 2023, the organization provided humanitarian and resilience-building assistance to nearly 57 million people. Their initiatives include strengthening governance, offering technical assistance on policy and legislation, and promoting multistakeholder dialogues aimed at improving agrifood systems for better production, nutrition, and sustainability.

The Role of Human Rights and the Universal Declaration

Food is recognized as a basic human right, alongside others such as the right to life, education, and work, as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is only when every individual has access to adequate, nutritious food that the realization of these other rights becomes possible. The declaration serves as a guiding blueprint for creating a more just and equal future for everyone, and it emphasizes the importance of addressing food inequality as part of the broader push for human dignity and well-being.

To achieve this vision, it is clear that food security cannot be tackled by one sector alone. A secure and nutritious future for all will require massive investments, scientific innovation, and wide-scale collaboration between governments, the private sector, academic institutions, civil society, and individuals. As consumers, we play a critical role by making informed food choices, reducing waste, and advocating for policies that promote equality and sustainability.

A Collective Global Effort

World Food Day is not just about raising awareness; it is a call to action. Governments, private organizations, and citizens are urged to work together toward creating a food-secure world. This collective effort is not only about eradicating hunger but also about ensuring that food systems are inclusive, sustainable, and equitable. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for these efforts, with a particular emphasis on zero hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture.

As we commemorate World Food Day in 2024, let us reflect on the reality that hunger and malnutrition continue to affect millions worldwide. This year’s theme, “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,” reminds us that ensuring everyone has access to nutritious, affordable, and safe food is not just a matter of policy but a basic human right. Together, we can work toward a future where no one goes hungry, and everyone has the opportunity to live a life of dignity and health.