Media invitation to cover World Food Day event in Bangkok – 15 October
Awards to ‘Model Farmers’ from China, India, Myanmar, New Zealand and Thailand
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand will preside over the 34th Regional World Food Day (WFD) celebration at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok on Wednesday 15th October beginning at 9am.
The ceremony will be attended by H.E. Petipong Pungbun Na Ayudhya, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives and other officials of the Royal Thai Government, members of the Bangkok-based diplomatic corps, representatives from other UN Agencies and civil society organizations.
This World Food Day (WFD) marks the 69th anniversary of FAO’s founding in Quebec City, Canada on 16 October 1945. The theme is Family Farming: Feeding the world, caring for the earth.
The observance will include a welcome statement by Hiroyuki Konuma, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific. A thematic keynote address will be delivered by Ma. Estrella Penunia Banzuela, Secretary-General of the Asian Farmers Associationand a Special Ambassador for Asia-Pacific to the International Year of Family Farming.
Five model farmers from the Asia-Pacific region will receive FAO awards recognizing their work and innovation during the ceremony. The model farmers come from China, India, Myanmar, New Zealand and Thailand. Her Royal Highness will present the awards.
The ceremony begins at 09:00 AM and lasts until 10:15 AM. Following the ceremony, journalists are invited to interview guests, participants and FAO staff. Refreshments will also be served.
FORMAL DRESS IS REQUIRED: Press Passes should be collected at the FAO Office in Bangkok (39 Phra Atit Road) on Wednesday morning, 15 October, between 08:00 and 08:30 AM immediately before the start of the ceremony. Presentation of a valid press card or a letter of accreditation from the employing news organization is required. TV crews should arrive by 8am for security check. A press kit will be provided.
For reasons of space and security, the following arrangements apply:
• There will be an area to accommodate photographers and cameramen wishing to record the arrival of dignitaries. They must be in place by 08:45 AM (arrive by 8am)
• Print, radio and TV journalists, photographers and cameramen will be accommodated in the Conference Hall where the ceremony takes place or, alternatively, can follow proceedings by CCTV in the reception hall.
Family farming: Feeding the world, caring for the earth