The 2024 World Food Forum (WFF) opened its doors to a global audience with a powerful message from the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Dr. Qu Dongyu, who set the tone for an event focused on “Catalysing Sustainable Investment in Food Systems.”
The annual forum, which brings together policymakers, young innovators, scientists, and activists from around the globe, emphasised the urgent need for transformative solutions to address the growing challenges of food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate change.
In his opening speech, Dr. Qu Dongyu delivered a sobering reminder of the current state of global food systems. He noted that while great strides have been made in reducing hunger over the past few decades, recent years have seen a reversal of these gains due to conflict, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The world is facing a complex web of crises that threaten our ability to provide enough nutritious food for all,” Dr. Qu remarked. “We must invest in innovative, sustainable agricultural practices, ensure equitable access to resources, and build resilient food systems capable of withstanding shocks.”
“This year’s theme, ‘Good food for all, for today and tomorrow,’ reflects the core of FAO’s mission and underscores the importance of the Four Betters,” said FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu, officially kicking off the event.
He also emphasised the critical role that youth and innovation must play in this transformation, highlighting the forum’s focus on empowering young people to take the lead in designing solutions. “Young minds hold the key to unlocking the innovations we need to transform food systems. We must invest in their potential, provide opportunities, and ensure they are at the forefront of global conversations on agriculture and food security,” he said.
Throughout the forum, attendees participated in dynamic discussions on pivotal topics, including climate-smart agriculture, digitalisation in farming, and the role of local communities in creating sustainable food systems. The WFF also saw the launch of several high-profile initiatives aimed at mobilising investments in food systems, particularly in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where agricultural productivity remains low and climate vulnerability is high.
One of the highlights of the week was the introduction of the Regional Investment in Poultry and Irrigation Initiative, designed to promote targeted investments in Southern Africa’s food production systems. The initiative seeks to boost regional food security by scaling up sustainable poultry farming and irrigation projects, a priority investment area for Lesotho as outlined in the country’s National Investment Plan (NIP).
In his closing remarks, Dr. Qu Dongyu reiterated the importance of collaboration, noting that the challenges faced by food systems are global and require coordinated efforts from all sectors. “No single nation or organisation can solve the world’s food challenges alone. We must work together—governments, the private sector, civil society, and youth—to build a better, more sustainable future for food and agriculture.”
He also emphasised the need for continued financial and political commitment to food security, reminding leaders that without sustained investment, the world would fail to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, particularly SDG 2, which calls for zero hunger.
“As we leave this forum today, let us not lose sight of the fact that the world’s most vulnerable populations depend on our actions,” Dr. Qu urged the global audience. “Let us move forward with urgency and purpose, transforming words into action and ensuring that no one is left behind.”
The 2024 WFF served as a vital platform for driving change in global food systems, inspiring hope that with collective effort, the goal of a food-secure world is achievable. As the forum concluded, the message was clear: “The time for action is now, and the world cannot afford to delay in addressing the pressing issues of food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate resilience.”
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