FAO World Food Forum opens in Rome with focus on global food security

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched its annual World Food Forum in Rome, a high-level event focused on transforming agro-food systems through innovation and investment. The forum, themed ‘Innovate Today. Feed Tomorrow’, runs until October 16.

Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, arrived in Rome leading a high-level delegation including ministers of Foreign Affairs, Food, and Communication. Rodríguez aims to promote Venezuela’s model of food sovereignty and international cooperation. She stated that while the country previously achieved a ‘zero hunger’ goal, economic sanctions hindered progress, though she noted recent advancements toward reclaiming that objective.

Other international participants include leaders from Angola, Bolivia, and the Dominican Republic. Josefa Sacko, an Angolan candidate for FAO Director-General, used the forum to advocate for placing the food challenges of the Global South at the center of international debate, noting that food security is intrinsically linked to social stability and peace.