World Food Day is celebrated every year on October 16th, providing a global platform to recognize collective efforts and progress in building sustainable food systems.

This year’s theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” highlights the importance of global collaboration in transforming agrifood systems and ensuring no one is left behind.

Speaking at the celebrations this morning at Deuba District School in Serua, the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Tomasi Tunabuna, said the theme underscores the critical need for international cooperation to address hunger and malnutrition.

“It is a great honour for me, as the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, to join you today in commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the 2025 World Food Day, and the official handover of the Fiji National Food and Nutrition Security Policy from my Ministry to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services,” said Hon. Tunabuna.

Hon. Tunabuna acknowledged FAO’s enduring global leadership in advancing food security and nutrition since its founding 80 years ago.

“Founded in response to global conflict and scarcity, FAO has championed the right to food and nutrition for all, while leading efforts to end hunger, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable agriculture worldwide. It remains a vital global partner—especially for Small Island Developing States—in tackling food insecurity, climate change, and other shared challenges,” he said.

Since joining FAO in 1971, Fiji has enjoyed a 54-year partnership advancing sustainable development, food security, and resilient agrifood systems — further strengthened through participation in FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative.

Hon. Tunabuna expressed Fiji’s gratitude to FAO for its long-standing support, including:

Post-disaster recovery efforts following Cyclones Winston, Yasa, and Ana;

Technical assistance in crop and livestock disease control;

Development of national food safety and nutrition strategies;

Empowerment programmes for women in fisheries and coastal agriculture; and

Collaboration on the Hand-in-Hand Initiative for targeted development.

In Fiji, food embodies culture and community, making today not just a celebration but a united call to transform our food system across all sectors,” Hon. Tunabuna added.

“It challenges us to deliver the Four Betters which are, Better Production through climate-smart, efficient, and inclusive agriculture; Better Nutrition by addressing non-communicable diseases and undernutrition, Better Environment by protecting our land, water, reefs, and biodiversity; and Better Life through empowering every Fijian, from the highlands of Naitasiri to the islands of Lau.”

He further emphasized that agriculture remains vital to Fiji, sustaining over 60% of rural households and remaining deeply connected to the nation’s economy, culture, and future.

“That is why the Coalition Government continues to prioritize sustainable land and water management, market access for small-scale producers, climate-resilient and digitally enabled food systems, and nutrition-sensitive policies that reach our most vulnerable citizens,” said Hon. Tunabuna.

The event also marked a historic moment — the official handover of the Fiji National Food and Nutrition Security Policy to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, reinforcing Fiji’s commitment to a healthier, more resilient, and food-secure nation.

“It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I officially hand over the Fiji National Food and Nutrition Security Policy to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services,” Hon. Tunabuna said.

He explained that the policy represents years of consultation, research, and collaboration among stakeholders across government ministries, development partners, academia, and farming communities.

“As I hand over this policy document today, I entrust it to the capable hands of the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Dr. Ratu Antonio Lalabalavu. Your leadership will be pivotal in executing and monitoring the policy’s objectives.”

The policy aims to translate into tangible improvements in public health, nutrition education, and community wellbeing. Its implementation underscores the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach toward ending malnutrition, enhancing food accessibility, and promoting sustainable agriculture through cross-sector collaboration.

By aligning efforts across health, agriculture, education, and community sectors, Fiji is planting the seeds for a resilient and nourished future, ensuring every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.

Students from ten schools in the Navua area joined the celebration, along with representatives from Deuba Village, government ministries, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations.

ENDS

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