Qu Dongyu, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, has stated that over 2.8 billion people worldwide lack the financial means to maintain a balanced diet.
During the 2024 World Food Day global ceremony, which had as its theme “Right to ‘Foods’ for a Better Life and a Better Future,” Dongyu made this clear.
In the theme, “foods” stand for variety, affordability, safety, and nourishment.
According to Dongyu, all nations and socioeconomic groups experienced some type of malnutrition.
He went on to say that people were selecting convenient but harmful diets even in high-income economies.
The director-general of the FAO ascribed the issues to difficulties in agrifood systems, where there were not enough or inexpensive nutrient-dense and varied foods for a healthy diet.
He asserts that the availability, affordability, and accessibility of food are all components of food security.
Given that 730 million people are hungry, it is obvious that much more needs to be done, and the FAO’s mission to guarantee food security for everyone is as relevant as ever.
He urged everyone to reaffirm their commitment to creating agrifood systems that are more resilient, inclusive, efficient, and sustainable so that the world can be fed on World Food Day.
Dongyu stated that in order to guarantee the integrated “Four Betters,” quick action is required.
Governments should encourage the production and sale of more nutrient-dense foods in order to improve production and nutrition and make healthy diets accessible to all.
Additionally, they ought to encourage their consumption in a healthful manner.
“We need to produce more with less in order to improve the environment; we need more varied foods in greater quantities with less agricultural inputs and fewer adverse environmental effects.
“We need to produce enough diverse foods, while preserving biodiversity and protecting the planet,” he stated.
According to Dongyu, innovation in fields like digital agriculture, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and information technology is necessary for a better quality of life.
Additionally, he stated that the private sector must move away from unhealthy diets and provide a wider range of safe, nutrient-dense, and enticing foods in order to assist governments.
“They must support us in tackling this worldwide issue. Governments can’t do it by themselves.
“We must address hunger and malnutrition if we are to create peaceful communities,” he stated.
He added that a future free from starvation and with food security was a human right and that the younger generation had a crucial role to play.
Dongyu demanded that pledges to create resilient, inclusive, efficient, and sustainable agrifood systems be renewed in order to ensure that everyone has access to wholesome food. (NAN)
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