Collaborative Policies Are Key to Resilient Food Systems, Florence Rolle, FAO

ISLAMABAD, NOV 14 (DNA):The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), alongside the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the International Trade Centre (ITC), came together at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) to celebrate World Food Day 2024, together with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR).

Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research honored the occasion as Chief Guest, joined by Mohamed Yahya, UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, and Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan.

The event brought together participants from high-ranking government officials, academia, research institutions, UN agencies, and students from various educational institutions.

In his keynote address, the Minister highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen food security, especially amid global challenges such as hunger, climate change, and economic disparities. The Federal Minister reiterated government’s commitment to enhance cooperation with national and international institutes to ensure safe food for all.

The minister emphasized, ‘Our commitment to national food security is unwavering, as we aim to implement inclusive policies that ensure every citizen has access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food. The Federal Minister reiterated government’s commitment to enhance cooperation with national and international institutes to ensure safe food for all.

The minister emphasized, ‘Our commitment to national food security is unwavering, as we aim to implement inclusive policies that ensure every citizen has access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food.

Mohamed Yahya, UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, highlighted that this year’s theme emphasizes food as a fundamental human right for survival, health, and dignity. With 40% of Pakistan’s population facing food insecurity, urgent action is needed. Students, who make up over 60% of the population, are key to driving change. Florence Rolle, FAO Pakistan’s Representative, emphasized the critical role of sustainable practices, collaborative policies, and community engagement in fostering resilient food systems.

“With over 783 million people facing food insecurity globally, events like these serve as platforms for fostering dialogue and collaboration, bringing us closer to a future where everyone’s right to adequate food is fully realized,” Rolle remarked.

The nationwide World Food Day campaign in Pakistan concluded with the event that emphasized the importance of food security and sustainable agri-food systems through activities involving students, local farmers, and community participants.

The campaign featured awareness walks, interactive sessions, and food-related competitions, promoting a collaborative approach among government, the private sector, and communities to enhance access to nutritious food. The event highlighted the necessity of a multi-sector strategy to address food security, advocating for policies that uphold food rights, equitable resource distribution, and safety nets for vulnerable groups.