Rome: The 2025 edition of the World Food Forum (WFF) flagship event commenced today at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome. The week-long Forum is set to feature the participation of 10 heads of state and government, 115 Ministers and Vice-Ministers, along with representatives from various sectors including governments, the private sector, civil society, international organizations, and youth, all focusing on agrifood systems.
According to EMM, this year's Forum, themed "Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future," is expected to set a record with over 25,000 registrations, aiming for a week of dialogue, innovation, and partnership to transform global agrifood systems. The event coincides with the 80th anniversary of FAO, celebrating eight decades of leadership in fighting hunger and promoting food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu pointed out that 673 million people—8.2% of the world’s population—still face hunger. While this signifies progress compared to the organization's early years, when two-thirds of the world's population were undernourished, the current figures remain concerning. Today, 2.3 billion people experience food insecurity, and 2.6 billion lack access to a healthy diet. Qu emphasized the compounded challenges of climate shocks, conflict, and biodiversity loss, highlighting the need for collective action to transform global agrifood systems.
King Letsie III of Lesotho, FAO Special Ambassador for Nutrition, noted that transformation demands political will and sustained investment, emphasizing that long-term benefits outweigh initial costs. He urged governments to lead with enabling policies and targeted investments. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also spoke, underscoring the necessity of collective perseverance and multilateral cooperation to eradicate hunger. He insisted that governments should incorporate the needs of the poor into state policies.
Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim Government of Bangladesh, argued that hunger stems from moral failure, advocating for social business models to empower farmers, women, and youth. He emphasized the potential of agrotechnology and innovation to transform the world and create opportunities for young people.
In video messages, leaders from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Ireland congratulated FAO on its anniversary, stressing the need for global solidarity and transformative action to establish sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems. Various roundtables followed the keynote speeches, promoting dialogue between global leaders, policymakers, and youth innovators. Princess Basma bint Ali of Jordan participated in discussions on engaging youth in agrifood policymaking, while Djibouti's Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed and Eswatini's Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini emphasized investment in agrifood systems and the importance of innovation.
The Forum also includes cultural performances and thematic videos, highlighting the role of culture and creativity in catalyzing transformation. Since its launch in 2021, the WFF has evolved into a global platform driving agrifood systems transformation through its three pillars: the Global Youth Forum, the Science and Innovation Forum, and the Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Forum.
The 2025 edition features numerous high-level events, including the first-ever FAO Global Exhibition, the Inauguration of the Food and Agriculture Museum and Network, and the Rome Water Dialogue. The World Food Forum 2025 continues to serve as a dynamic platform where innovation meets implementation, translating global dialogue into actionable solutions for a sustainable food future.