Participants at the just concluded World Food Forum (WFF), have identified youth, science, innovation and targeted investments as essential drivers for transforming global agrifood systems.

At the fourth edition of the forum, held from October 14 to 18, 2004, at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), in Rome, Italy, centered around the theme: “Good Food for All, for Today and Tomorrow,” the forum laid emphasis on smarter targeting of investments to enhance resilience and improve nutrition.

The WFF is a yearly flagship event – a dynamic global platform that transcends boundaries, generations and sectors to transform the future of the agrifood systems. It brought together world experts, impassioned change makers and visionary leaders of all ages.

During the opening ceremony, the Director-General, World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, addressed global food security challenges, stressing the urgent need for agricultural trade reform—particularly in Africa and South Asia—to build resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

A key highlight was the Global Hub on Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems, which underscored the importance of indigenous knowledge in promoting sustainable food practices.

FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu emphasised the value of integrating traditional wisdom with modern innovation to tackle climate change and improve food security.

The World Food Day 2024 ceremony highlighted the need for accessible, nutritious food amidst pressing global issues such as conflict and climate change. The event called for stronger, more inclusive agrifood systems and emphasised the role of a supportive legal framework in the fight against hunger.

Additionally, the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum showcased innovative solutions that mobilised over $3b to transform agrifood systems in vulnerable regions.