16 October 2010: The UN held a celebration for World Food Day in Rome, Italy, on the 65th anniversary of the founding of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) around the theme “United Against Hunger.”

Numerous dignitaries attended the 16 October celebration, including the Heads of the FAO, the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Olivier De Schutter, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, called for a shift to low-carbon agriculture in the face of climate change, highlighting opportunities in agroforestry and improved water harvesting techniques. He stressed that “agriculture must become central to mitigating the effects of climate change rather than a large part of the problem.” IFAD President Kanayo Nwanze underscored that, to combat hunger, commitment is needed from NGOs, civil society, governments, the private sector, and smallholder farmers and their associations.

At the event, the FAO appointed four new Goodwill Ambassadors in the fight against hunger: Italian actor Raoul Bova; Canadian singer Céline Dion; Filipino singer Lea Salonga; and American actress Susan Sarandon. Numerous events were held in over 150 countries to celebrate World Food Day. [UN Press Release] [IFAD President Speech] [Statement by UN Special Rapporteur] [FAO Goodwill Ambassador Press Release] [World Food Day Website]