In his message at the World Food Forum (WFF) in Rome, Guterres noted that access to food is a fundamental human right, even though about 645 million people experienced hunger last year, and nearly 2.7 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet.

The UN secretary-general pointed out that simultaneous crises and disruptions are exacerbating food insecurity by affecting production and supply chains, increasing food and fertilizer prices, and hindering access to adequate nutrition for millions of people.

In light of this situation, the UN head noted that the world has the knowledge, technology, and capacity to feed its population; he therefore urged using those resources to transform them into concrete solutions.

The UN official called for bringing together innovative researchers, indigenous farmers, and young people to develop solutions by mobilizing funding to make nutritious food more affordable and accessible, especially in developing countries.

World Food Day is celebrated every October 16 to commemorate the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945.

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