Food is fundamental to human survival, and hunger is a challenge faced by all living beings. While some are fortunate enough to have access to adequate food, many still struggle to satisfy their hunger. To address this global issue, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations established World Food Day on October 16, 1979. The day serves as a platform to raise awareness about hunger, food security, and the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. Today, more than 150 countries are part of the FAO, working together to find solutions to global hunger.
Each year, World Food Day is marked with a unique theme to inspire global action. The theme for World Food Day 2025 is “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.” This theme emphasizes the power of global collaboration in building a sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all. It advocates for transforming food systems in a way that ensures everyone has access to nutritious food while living in harmony with the planet.
The 80th Anniversary of FAO
2025 marks a significant milestone – the 80th anniversary of the FAO. In celebration of this achievement, the organization has launched a series of initiatives that reflect the vision for a food secure future. These initiatives aim to highlight the importance of cooperation between governments, organizations, sectors, and communities to create a better tomorrow.
Key Events for World Food Day 2025
1. Grand Opening of the Food and Agriculture Museum and Network
On October 16, 2025, the FAO will officially open the Food and Agriculture Museum and Network at its headquarters in Rome, Italy. The museum will serve as a global hub for learning about the history, challenges, and future of food and agriculture.
2. World Food Day Ceremony
Also on October 16, the FAO will host the World Food Day ceremony at its headquarters. This event will bring together dignitaries, experts, and advocates to celebrate achievements and call for further action to address hunger and food insecurity.
3. World Food Day Talks
In the afternoon of October 16, the FAO will present the World Food Day Talks titled “FoodS FutureS: Conversations for a Better World.” This dynamic, Davos style series will feature prominent thought leaders, including FAO leaders, chefs, activists, policymakers, and influencers. The event will provide a platform to discuss the future of food and agriculture through the lens of the FAO’s Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life. It will be an opportunity for global thought leadership to merge grassroots ideas with large-scale action.
4. Junior World Food Day
On October 17, Junior World Food Day will take center stage, targeting students aged 9 – 14. The event will feature youth activists, athletes, influencers, and innovators who are making an impact in the fields of food, agriculture, and sustainability. Young minds will have the opportunity to engage with experts and learn how they can contribute to shaping a better, food-secure future. This event will be streamed live on the FAO website for global participation.
While the FAO will lead these events from its headquarters in Rome, countries around the world will observe World Food Day at various levels. National governments, organizations, and communities will organize local events, campaigns, and outreach activities throughout the month of October. These celebrations will further call for action on the global challenges of hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity.
The theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” underscores the importance of collaboration in tackling global food security challenges. World Food Day 2025 is an invitation for all individuals governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to come together to create sustainable solutions for food systems that are inclusive and accessible to everyone.
By working together, we can ensure that no one goes hungry, and that future generations inherit a world with access to healthy diets, economic opportunities in agriculture, and a thriving planet.Let’s use this World Food Day 2025 to reflect, learn, and act together, for a better future for all.
Written By: –
Rtr. Sithuli Nimanya
(Junior Blog Team Member 2025-26)
Design By: –
Rtr. Nethmini Pathirana
(Junior Blog Team Member 2025-26)
