On 16 October World Food Day is celebrated, an annual event commemorating FAO's anniversary and among the UN's most celebrated days, mobilizes global action for agrifood system transformation.

With its 2023 theme, "Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind," this year the Day spotlights the plight of 2.4 billion people in water-stressed countries and 600 million reliant on aquatic food systems who face pollution, ecosystem degradation, and climate change impacts.

Celebrated across more than 150 countries, the event will serve as a rallying point for governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and the public to collectively combat hunger and raise awareness about the profound impact of responsible water management in our agrifood systems. 

World Food Day will feature around 500 activities in 150 nations and will be broadcast widely via TV, radio, and social media, engaging millions. Displays, including drone shows and illuminated iconic landmarks around the world, will further raise awareness. 

Armenia faces severe water challenges due to climate change. Water resources are vital with about 80% of the country’s crops requiring irrigation, and hydropower accounting for 23%-25% of total energy production. Future projections are grim. River flows are estimated to decrease by more than 13% by 2040 and by 27% by 2070. Average annual evaporation of Lake Sevan, the country’s largest freshwater body and a vital source of irrigation water, is expected to increase by 30% over this century. 

Sustainable water management in the coming years needs to be part of the food systems transformation in Armenia. Governments, the private sector, farmers, academia, civil society and individuals need to work together to address water challenges. It is important that production of food, fiber, animal feed and biofuel is done with less water.

Due to the current situation in the Republic of Armenia, a number of events have been canceled in Armenia. On the eve of the World Food Day, the FAO Representative in Armenia, Raimund Jehle and an expert team from the FAO country office visited Syunik to learn further about the challenges the refugees, particularly in rural areas, are facing. 

In parallel with World Food Day celebrations, the World Food Forum will host a series of events in Rome from 16-20 October: The WFF Global Youth Forum, the FAO Science and Innovation Forum, and the FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum.