The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) today commemorated World Food Day and its 80th anniversary with a landmark event in Rome, reaffirming its enduring mission to end hunger and build resilient agrifood systems across the globe.
Hosted by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, the celebration brought together prominent global figures, including His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, alongside other international leaders and dignitaries. President Xi Jinping of China sent a congratulatory message - delivered by Han Jun, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China - commending FAO on its remarkable achievements over the past 80 years.
"Your presence here today is a true reflection that hunger knows no borders, and that the challenge of food security demands unity among nations," Director-General Qu said in his opening address. "The world's leaders and people everywhere must come together united by our collective belief that the right to food is a basic human right, and that peace is a prerequisite for food security."
In his keynote address, Pope Leo XIV underscored his deep commitment to peace and global food security.
"Eighty years after the establishment of FAO, our conscience must once again challenge us in the face of the ever-present scourge of hunger and malnutrition," the pope said. "In this regard, I consider it a true success that World Food Day is being celebrated this year under the theme Hand in hand for better food and a better future. At a historical moment marked by deep divisions and contradictions, feeling united by the bond of collaboration is not only a beautiful ideal, but a resolute call to action."
Observed annually on 16 October, World Food Day provides an opportunity to reflect on our common duty - to care for the land and water, support those who cultivate it, and strengthen the systems that bring food to every table. Established by a United Nations resolution in 1979 and first observed in 1981, World Food Day is now one of the most widely celebrated UN observances, with events held in over 150 countries.
This year's World Food Day also marks 80 years since FAO's founding in 1945. Under the theme Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future, leaders from politics, culture and civil society were invited to reflect on the urgent need to sustain the spirit of collaboration that has defined FAO's work for eight decades. Looking ahead, FAO remains committed to building efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems that are more equitable, protect the land and feed future generations.
Representing FAO's host country alongside Prime Minister Meloni, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Collaboration Antonio Tajani said hosting such an important institution as FAO represented an honour for Italy.
Other speakers included King Letsie III of Lesotho, Queen Letizia of Spain, Uruguay President Yamandú Orsi Martínez, and the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a video message in which he lamented the weaponization of hunger.
As part of the celebrations, the Italian postal service and the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy unveiled a commemorative stamp honoring FAO's 80th anniversary, celebrating its longstanding partnership with Italy.
Foods Futures: Conversations for a Better World brought together leaders and innovators for a fast-paced and interactive discussion centred around the transformation of global agrifood systems through the lens of FAO's Four Betters.
FAO opens doors to the public
World Food Day 2025 opened with the inauguration of the Food and Agriculture Museum & Network (FAO MuNe), led by the FAO Director-General and Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by guided tours for guests.
Open to the public and spanning 1,300 m², the museum offers a dynamic, immersive experience that showcases FAO's mission and work. It explores the relationship between food, agriculture, and humanity through educational, interactive exhibits designed to inspire global action.
FAO also hosted its first public Global Exhibition: From Seeds to Foods from 10-13 October. The open exhibition attracted over 7,000 visitors and showcased the journey of food from seed to table, celebrating the diversity of crops, traditions, and innovations that nourish the world.
World Food Forum: pathways to action
World Food Day is part of FAO's annual flagship World Food Forum (WFF), which is organized around three pillars - Global Youth Action, Science and Innovation Forum, and the Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Forum - and also features special sessions on the Rome Water Dialogue, Indigenous People, South-South and Triangular Cooperation and the One Country One Priority Product initiative.
The forum brings together youth, governments, scientists, investors, farmers and Indigenous leaders to identify opportunities for making agrifood systems more productive, nourishing, sustainable, and resilient. By bringing policy, practice, innovation and finance into the same room, the Forum surfaces diverse insights, tests solutions, mobilizes capital, and identifies clear pathways for real-world action to address the root causes of food insecurity.
