16th October 2018 The Food Division under the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry conducted a special event to celebrate World Food Day, under the Theme “Our Action are our Future. A #ZeroHunger World by 2030 is Possible”, at the Vuna Road waterfront this morning.
In the Keynote address, Prime Minister of Tonga Hon. Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva, said the commemoration of the world food day reminds us the importance of agriculture and food for the people of the world.
“Today the hungry population of the world is about 820 million people. This is the consequences of wars, the international migration crisis, the extreme weather events linked to climate change, and the economic slowdown of under-developing countries. At the same time, over weight and obesity level are rapidly increasing in the other member countries of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) including Tonga.”
Hon. Pohiva noted that the World Food Day messages from the Director General for FAO, Jose Graziano, states boldly that Zero Hunger is still achievable if we join forces across public and private sectors, businesses, and communities for the remaining years til 2030.
He then proposed three resolutions that Tonga should follow to meet the target for 2030
- First, to increase local agriculture production of livestock, fish, vegetables and fruits to secure the daily supply of meat, fish, fruits and vegetables;
- Second, to reduce the imports of unhealthy fatty and sugary food products;
- Last to change the diets of the younger generations via school programs.
Minister for Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries Hon. Semisi Tauelangi Fakahau said World Food Day is a chance to show commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #2- to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030. To end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition, and also promote sustainable agriculture. It’s also a day for us to celebrate the progress made towards reaching #ZeroHunger.”
“World Food Day is an important time to reiterate the right to food as a basic human right; and it is a time to emphasize this year’s theme and the importance of investing the agriculture and fisheries development as an engine to eliminate hunger.”
He also emphasized the need to work together to enhance agricultural production and productivity. Zero Hunger means working together to ensure everyone, everywhere has access to safe, healthy and nutritious food they need.
World Food Day is celebrated every year on the 16th of October to commemorate the founding of FAO in 1945. So this World Food Day marks the 73rd anniversary of Food Agriculture Organization’s founding.
An exhibition was also held at the event, showcasing different vegetables, local root crops, food and dishes.
ENDS
Issued by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications