On 16^th October, Myanmar joined global celebrations to mark the World Food Day 2018 with a ceremony at the office of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (MoALI) in the capital Nay Pyi Taw, which focused on the theme ‘Our Actions are Our Future. A #ZeroHunger world by 2030 is possible.’                                                                                     

The ceremony was honored by Vice President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar H.E. U Henry Van Thio who addressed the event.  H.E. Vice President appreciated FAO’s continuous support for food security and sustainable development in agriculture and rural development sectors in Myanmar and promised to make closer cooperation with FAO in future. “ We need to work with heart and soul in order to produce enough food to feed the world’s increasing population […] In doing so, assistance of FAO, our Government’s right decisions, effective implementations of departments and cooperation of the people are needed to work in harmony,” H.E. mentioned at the event.

H.E. Dr Aung Thu, Union Minister of MoALI, expressed his sincere thanks to FAO during his speech and called for further assistance. Union Minister said, “Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has been celebrating World Food Day Ceremony all over the world annually to highlight the importance of food and nutrition for world communities […] We are closely cooperating with international organizations and institutions including FAO and I truly believe that, in accordance with this year’s theme, our actions will entirely benefit to our nation, our citizens and our generation to come by having access to the plenty of safe and nutritious food.”

About three hundred participants including Union Minister of MoALI, senior government officials from concerned departments, Representatives of UN agencies, Diplomats and development partners attended the ceremony.

FAO Representative Ms Xiaojie Fan delivered the message of FAO Director-General, Mr José Graziano da Silva. The participants also watched the World Food Day 2018 video which was one of the sessions in the agenda.

At the event, FAO had three stalls providing information on its work in Myanmar. H.E. Vice President visited FAO’s booths and closely observed the images of activities as well as the publications. FAO’s booths gained much attention and interests from the participants and media, receiving many requests to share the copies of “Display Only” publications.

The event was widely covered by media in Myanmar. News about the event appeared both in broadcast news and printed news in State media and private media.