16 October: World Food Day

The World Food Day is observed globally on 16 October to mark foundation of Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945.
Significance of Day: It aims to raise public awareness about hunger challenges and encourage people around the world to take action in the fight against hunger.
2016 Theme: “Climate is changing. Food and agriculture must too”. It highlights the issue of food security related to climate change. It calls adopting sustainable practices for growing more food with less area of land and use natural resources wisely.
Background: The World Food Day was established in November 1979 by FAO’s Member Countries at the 20th General Conference of FAO to raise awareness of the issues behind poverty and hunger. For the first time it was celebrated on 16 October 1981 and the idea of celebrating the WFD worldwide was mooted by Hungarian Delegation to FAO.

About Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)

• FAO is an agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Its parent organization is UN Economic and Social Council (UNESC).
• It is neutral forum serving both developed and developing countries where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy.
• Established: 16 October 1945.
• Headquarters: Rome, Italy.
• Motto: “Let there be bread“.
• Members: 194 member states, along with the European Union (member organization)
• FAO meet the demands posed by major global trends in agricultural development and challenges faced by member nations.
• It helps countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices, ensuring good nutrition and food security for all.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2016