World Food Day is being observed worldwide today to raise awareness about hunger, malnutrition and the need to ensure access to safe, nutritious and affordable food for everyone.
This year’s theme, “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow,” highlights the role of innovation, scientific research, technology and traditional knowledge in building sustainable food systems and ensuring food security for future generations.
Observed annually on October 16, World Food Day marks the establishment of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on the same date in 1945. The day was proposed in 1979 and has been observed worldwide since 1981.
The observance aims to draw attention to persistent hunger and malnutrition and encourage governments, international organisations, farmers, businesses and individuals to work together to address these challenges.
Despite advances in agricultural technology and food production, millions of people worldwide continue to face hunger, while many others struggle to afford a healthy diet. Poverty, conflict, natural disasters, economic instability and climate change further exacerbate food insecurity.
According to a message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres marking World Food Day 2026, around 645 million people faced hunger last year, while nearly 2.7 billion could not afford a healthy diet.
The day also highlights the need to reduce food waste, improve distribution systems, support farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Ensuring food security requires not only sufficient food production but also equitable access to safe and nutritious food.
In Bangladesh, food security remains closely linked to agricultural productivity, food prices, farmers’ livelihoods and the impacts of climate change. Floods, cyclones, salinity and irregular rainfall can disrupt crop production and supply chains, while rising living costs can make nutritious food less affordable for low-income households.
Strengthening agricultural systems, improving food storage and distribution, reducing post-harvest losses and making nutritious food accessible to all are essential to addressing these challenges.
World Food Day serves as a reminder that access to adequate food is a fundamental human right and that collective action is essential to building a world free from hunger and malnutrition.