27 August -- The World Food Summit: five years later, reaffirmed pledges to end hunger and called for an international alliance to acclerate efforts towards that goal. It also offered many opportunities for delegates and other participants to exchange knowledge on current efforts in the fight against hunger

Food safety and phytosanitary regulations protect the consumer - but they can also ensure fair trade. This will take resources, though.

The World Bank has prepared a new strategy for rural development. It calls for big changes in emphasis as well as in donor behaviour, and for new policies in developing countries.

Though their strategies may differ, FAO and non-governmental organizations share the same enthusiasm for agricultural biodiversity.

Efficient use of water is crucial to cultivate enough food for growing populations. Farmers in developing countries need assistance to exploit a variety of innovative, small-scale means for making better use of available supplies.

Adoption of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) is a commitment by African leaders to ensure sustainable development of the Continent. The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), the agricultural component of NEPAD, raises the financial resources needed to fight hunger in Africa to US$240 billion.

FAO's role in emergency assistance has grown since the Rwanda conflict in 1994. FAO helps affected populations restart food production and provides technical backup and coordination for other organizations in the field.

From water management to conserving genetic resources, traditional wisdom has much to teach today's planners

What makes village technical innovation work? Some surprising stories from the NGO/CSO Forum.

International support for the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture countiues to grow, with the total number of signatories climbing to 56 today, including 35 developing countries and 20 developed countries and the European Community.

The crucial role of women farmers in feeding the world and their lack of access to resources and political influence was discussed on the third day of the "World Food Summit: five years later"

FAO's Special Programme for Food Security finds underused resources on the farm -- and helps developing countries to help each other.

Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs brings academic perspective to symposium on FAO's proposed Anti-Hunger Programme

Professor Jeffrey Sachs, special adviser to the UN Secretary-General on the Millennium Development Goals, says rich countries haven't made a real commitment to end world hunger and calls for them to invest in agriculture and rural development in poor countries.

World leaders and other government officials from 182 countries unanimously approve WFS:fyl final declaration renewing their commitment to reduce by half the number of hungry people in the world by 2015.

Rome forum brings 650 labour, human rights and farmers groups together during Summit

More than 180 countries attended the 'World Food Summit: five years later'. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said that progress in fighting hunger has been far too slow. FAO-Director-General Jacques Diouf called for fairer global agricultural markets and more investment in agriculture in poor countries.

FAO is joined in the struggle against world hunger by Publicis, Europe's largest communications group, and FilmMaster, a leading Italian advertising corporation.

Parmalat, an Italian food-industry giant, contributes more than Euro 360 000 to support FAO's global anti-hunger summit. The funding and in-kind support will cover infrastructure, communication and information facilities as well as supplies needed for the "World Food Summit: five years later."

FAO Director-General, Dr Jacques Diouf, said FAO will give careful consideration to any new proposals which the NGOs/CSOs might offer against the background of "increasingly more concrete and fruitful collaboration" with his Organization.