Inaugural World Pulses Day celebration carries momentum from 2016 International Year of Pulses
“Today we can all affirm that pulses are better recognized as a valuable source of protein and as an ally for food security and nutrition in the fight against hunger,” said Carla Mucavi, Director of the FAO Liaison Office in New York, at the New York celebration of World Pulses Day on 7 February.
Co-sponsored by FAO, the Permanent Missions of Burkina Faso, Canada and Turkey, and the Global Pulse Confederation, the luncheon event marked the inaugural celebration of World Pulses Day, which was declared by consensus at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in December 2018.
World Pulses Day builds on the successful implementation of the International Year of Pulses in 2016 to raise awareness of the critical role pulses play in addressing the challenges of poverty, food security and nutrition, while also stimulating investment in research on pulses and in their production and marketing.
Delivering the closing remarks, Mucavi emphasized that, in the context of rising numbers in malnutrition, the importance of pulses becomes even more critical in improving our diets and contributing to sustainable food systems. Moreover, she took stock of the legacy of the International Year of Pulses, noting that the Year contributed to increased awareness and profile of pulses among all sectors of population as well as strengthened the collaboration among key players. She also recalled the prominent role played by the Special Ambassadors, who offered their names, talent and time in raising awareness on the important contribution of pulses.
Eric Tiare, Permanent Representative of Burkina Faso to the United Nations, opened the event with remarks on how pulses can make substantial and immediate progress on our goals of improving both dietary nutrition and reducing the environmental impact of feeding a growing global population.
Marc-Andre Blanchard, Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations, also delivered opening remarks, informing that pulses are central to a plan for affordable food solutions addressing both human and environmental health, thus being directly related to the work of the UN and the SDGs.
Raziye Bilge Koçyiğit Grba, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Turkey to the United Nations, highlighted many ways in which pulses can simultaneously boost productivity and contribute to environmental Sustainability.
Pulses are the biggest source of protein for humans and have a vital role to play in improving nutrition – both underweight and overweight – and tackling non-communicable diseases, as well as possessing numerous environmental values. Despite these benefits, pulses remain underrepresented in global food systems, research, and national food policy.
Relevant links
Statement by Carla Mucavi, Director of the FAO Liaison Office in New York