World Food Day takes place each year on October 16th. This annual event is about raising worldwide awareness of hunger, and promoting action for the future of food, people, and the planet.
This year, World Food Day shines a spotlight on water as the foundation for life and food. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of managing water wisely, as the availability of this precious resource is threatened by rapid population growth, urbanization, economic development, and climate change.
Today, 2.4 billion people live in water-stressed countries. Many are smallholder farmers who already struggle to meet their daily needs, particularly women, Indigenous Peoples, migrants, and refugees. World Food Day 2023 looks at solutions to produce more food with less water, while ensuring that water is distributed equally, our aquatic food systems are protected, and nobody is left behind.
We all have a role to play. Governments, the private sector, academia, farmers, civil society, and individuals need to work together for a food and water secure world.
Click here for a 1-minute video from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, celebrating World Food Day 2023 -- and here for eight actions you can take to save water.