We can build the future together

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Chair, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Dağ, stated that this year the 40th World Food Day will be celebrated, and in this context, attention will be drawn to the struggle against hunger and combat with hunger in the world.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dağ stated that this year’s World Food Day theme is, “Grow, nourish, sustain. Together. Our actions are our future,” and within this scope, activities will be organized to emphasize the importance of healthy nutrition, food security, and sustainability, in order to raise public awareness.

Dağ emphasized that World Food Day has gained an even more important place this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was pointed out by Dağ that with the participation of all stakeholders, including the public and private sectors, non-governmental organizations and academic staff, the issue of combating the threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to food security, and agricultural livelihoods will be addressed. He said that it is also important to make a global cooperation decision to support those who are most affected by these threats.

Dağ stated that all countries, private sector, and non-governmental organizations should take action to enlarge food systems by increasing diversity to feed the increasing population, and provide a sustainable structure. In the continuation of his words, Dağ stated, "It is the most basic right of all people living in the world to have access to sufficient food under suitable conditions."

"1 billion people fighting hunger all over the world"
Emphasizing that 1 billion people are struggling with hunger today due to the negativities experienced all over the world, Dağ noted that 2 billion people have suffered from malnourishment from macro and micronutrients.

Reminding that despite all the uncertainties experienced in the process in question, we can build the future together as a whole world, Dağ said, "For this, first of all, it is necessary to ensure sustainability, to provide access to food to individuals, to prefer reliable foods, and to increase the demand for nutritious foods."