In this article, we’ll look at the date, history, annual themes, and key global initiatives that make World Food Day such an important event worldwide.
World Food Day is one of the most important international observances dedicated to raising awareness about hunger, food security, and building more sustainable food systems for all. Every year, it unites governments, organizations, companies, and individuals around a shared goal: ensuring that everyone, everywhere, has regular access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.
World Food Day is celebrated every year on October 16. The date marks the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 1945. Today, the day is observed in more than 150 countries, making it one of the most celebrated days in the UN calendar.
Around the world, governments, NGOs, the private sector, academia, and individuals organize events, campaigns, and activities to highlight the importance of food security and nutrition.
The idea of World Food Day was put forward at the 20th FAO Conference in November 1979, with a proposal from the Hungarian delegation led by Dr. Pál Romány.
The objective was to create an annual day that would focus global attention on food issues and strengthen solidarity in the fight against hunger and malnutrition.
In 1981, World Food Day was officially celebrated for the first time.
Over the decades, the focus has expanded beyond hunger to include sustainable food systems, nutrition, environmental impact, and collective action.
Today, World Food Day plays a key role in supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
The official theme of World Food Day 2025 is “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.”
This year’s theme marks the 80th anniversary of FAO and calls for stronger partnerships and collective action to transform food systems worldwide.
The theme builds on FAO’s “Four Betters” framework, which aims to guide actions toward a more sustainable and equitable future:
Better Production – sustainable agricultural practices and efficient value chains
Better Nutrition – ensuring access to healthy, diverse diets for all
Better Environment – reducing environmental impact and preserving biodiversity
Better Life – fostering resilience, equity, and inclusive growth for communities
World Food Day 2025 emphasizes that no single organization or sector can achieve these goals alone — collaboration is essential.
To celebrate World Food Day 2025 and FAO’s 80th anniversary, global and local events are planned across more than 150 countries, including:
Global Ceremony in Rome – hosted at FAO Headquarters, bringing together world leaders, scientists, innovators, and youth voices.
“FoodS FutureS: Conversations for a Better World” – a series of talks and debates on the future of food, featuring experts from around the globe.
Launch of MuNe (Food and Agriculture Museum & Network) – a new platform dedicated to knowledge exchange and cultural heritage around food.
Local initiatives – exhibitions, school programs, community events, food drives, and awareness campaigns worldwide.
FAO also provides a communication toolkit with posters, infographics, social media templates, and educational materials to help organizations and communities participate actively.
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