World Pulses Day 2022
by Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General
10/02/2022
World Pulses Day 2022
Opening Remarks
By
Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General
As prepared
10 February 2022
Excellences,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. Today we come together to raise awareness on pulses and to highlight the critical role they play in addressing poverty, food security, human health and nutrition.
2. Our agrifood systems need a paradigm shift.
3. A focus on pulses can help us achieve this transformation, and achieve the SDGs.
4. The pulses sector provides employment to rural women and youth in farming communities, as well as to urban families.
5. Pulses contribute to creating livelihood opportunities and equity, which are essential for sustainable agrifood systems.
6. FAO strongly supports the youth to become drivers of positive change.
7. That is why this year’s World Pulses Day theme is “Pulses to empower youth in achieving sustainable agrifood systems”.
8. Currently, there are 1.8 billion people in the world between the ages of 10 and 24, who have the creativity and energy to renew perspectives and opportunities.
9. We must tap into this potential!
10. Last year, the UN Secretary-General convened the first Food Systems Summit,
11. Which aimed to transform the way the world produces, consumes and thinks about food,
12. And to ensure access to safe and nutritious foods for all.
13. Scientific evidence presented during the Summit Dialogues highlighted that utilizing pulses and legumes in intercropping, or rotations with staple crops,
14. Can help to sustainably manage plant nutrition, contribute to soil health, and mitigate the effects of the climate crisis.
Dear Friends,
15. Healthy diets from sustainable agrifood systems require increased consumption of the most nutrient-rich food groups, including pulses.
16. FAO is committed to supporting Members in improving the production and consumption of pulses,
17. To enhance the transformation of agrifood systems and reach the objectives of the 2030 Agenda.
18. We have 8 planting seasons left.
19. We need to work collectively in an efficient, effective and coherent manner.
20. Close collaboration with the private sector is crucial.
21. We must work Hand in Hand with all relevant partners and stakeholders,
22. Many of whom have joined us today, and I welcome them to our event.
23. I look forward to today’s discussions on how pulses can empower youth so that they can grow up the game changers to the transformation of our agrifood systems,
24. To be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable.
25. For better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all, leaving no one behind.
26. I wish you enjoy a productive World Pulses Day for your healthy life!
27. Thank you.