A stark warning has been issued at the World Food Day celebrations in Rome: nearly a billion people are facing hunger, and billions more lack access to a healthy diet.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu called for a renewed commitment to building more efficient and sustainable food systems, declaring, "There is no time to lose; we must take immediate action."
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed the urgency, stating that a zero-hunger world is possible, but requires a "massive transformation" of food systems to become more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
The World Food Forum, taking place at FAO headquarters from October 14-18, will bring together global leaders to address these challenges and explore solutions for a more equitable and food-secure future.
Xinhua