AMMAN: Under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Basma Bint Talal, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) celebrated World Food Day in Jordan, coinciding with the organization's 79th anniversary. The event focused on the theme "The Right to Food, for a Better Life and a Better Future," highlighting global challenges in combating hunger and malnutrition. According to Jordan News Agency, the celebration in Jordan was marked by speeches and discussions emphasizing the critical nature of food as a fundamental human need. Princess Basma, in a recorded speech, pointed out the contradiction between the vast quantities of global food waste and the persistent hunger faced by nearly 10% of the world population. She stressed the necessity for cooperation across various sectors to enhance the food system's sustainability and resilience. Princess Basma called for the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices by farmers to maintain land fertility and improve global food security. She emphasized the role of innovation in agriculture and the importance of specialized companies in delivering affordable and nutritious food options. Furthermore, the importance of rational consumption patterns was highlighted to ensure the sustainability of food supply chains, especially for vulnerable communities. Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat elaborated on Jordan's strategic measures to fortify food security, which he described as a cornerstone of national resilience. He noted the establishment of the Food Security Council as per royal directives, which plays a crucial role in monitoring food security status and steering the implementation of the National Food Security Strategy 2021-2030. Hneifat also mentioned efforts to minimize food loss and waste to maximize the benefits of local agricultural production. FAO Representative in Jordan, Nabil Assaf, provided a global perspective, noting that around 730 million people worldwide suffer from hunger, while over 2.8 billion cannot afford a healthy diet. This situation leads to widespread malnutrition, with a significant portion of the global population lacking crucial nutrients. Assaf urged for international cooperation to ensure access to diverse, nutritious, and affordable food, advocating for agricultural systems that are efficient, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. The World Food Day event in Jordan also served as a platform for national and international bodies to reaffirm their commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal of "Zero Hunger." The discussions covered the impact of conflicts, climate change, and economic challenges on food security, particularly affecting the poor and vulnerable, including farming families. The FAO reinforced that the right to adequate food is a fundamental human right and stressed the need for a transformation in agricultural food systems to ensure they are sustainable and resilient against future challenges.