FAO Pakistan organized World Food Day 2022 event on October 14, 2022 in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), UN-Women, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), and Ministry of National Food Security & Research. The event was held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Julien Harneis, Resident Coordinator of United Nations in Pakistan, talked about the importance of food and how every celebration in life revolves around food. However, he stressed on the fact that many people do not have enough to eat and particularly after the floods, food insecurity and malnutrition are rising as existing vulnerabilities are intensified. He stressed that on this World Food Day, we as a nation must address food wastage, not only at an individual household level but also in how we produce, process and store food in Pakistan. As we go forward with the efforts of reconstruction and rehabilitation, we must ensure that building better and more efficient food systems is included in that process.

Mr. Zafar Hassan, Secretary, Ministry of National Food and Security, highlighted the point that the damage to Pakistan’s agricultural sector would also be felt across the globe. Pakistan is one of the world’s top producers and exporters of cotton and rice, which have been destroyed by the flood. He further said that agriculture has special importance for Pakistan’s economy, which at present is contributing about 19 percent to national GDP, and generating employment opportunities for more than 35 percent of the labor force. Currently, we are facing serious challenge for food and nutritional security that needs enough resources and funds to compensate for the loss of crops and livestock to our farmers. However, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research is making dire efforts to meet this challenge and address this issue in a befitting manner. On behalf of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, he appreciated FAO’s support and technical assistance in developing and implementing agricultural policies.

A special mime performance by Nighat Chaudhary, Pakistan’s renowned Kathak dancer, and her team was also part of the event. Their performance showcased the importance of food in our lives and impact of floods on food security. The event ended on a note of thanks by Dr. Ghulam Mohammad Ali, Chairman Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) and inauguration of a three day photo exhibition on the importance of food, food security and climate resilient agriculture. The exhibition remained open for the public till October 16 2022.

The event was well attended by representatives of the international community, UN organizations, media, civil society, students and relevant government departments.