Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

16 October 2023

World Food Day

World Food Day 2023

Water is life, water is food. 
Leave no one behind. 

Water is essential to life on Earth. It covers the majority of the Earth's surface, makes up over 50% of our bodies, produces our food, and supports livelihoods.  

But this precious resource is not infinite and we need to stop taking it for granted. What we eat, and how that food is produced all affect water. 

Together, we can take water action for food and be the change. 

Learn more

Explore how YOU can take action 

Governments, the private sector, farmers, academia, civil society and individuals need to work together to address water challenges. We need to produce more food, fiber, animal feed and biofuel with less water, while ensuring water is distributed equally, our aquatic food systems are safeguarded, and nobody is left behind.   

Every one of us, including youth, can take water action for the future of food, people, and the planet. 

More information coming soon.

Fact 1 2023
Agriculture accounts for 72% of global freshwater withdrawals, while 16% is used by municipalities for households and services, and 12% by industries. 
Fact 2 2023
Currently 2.4 billion people live in water-stressed countries, and approximately 10% of the global population live in countries with high and critical water stress.
Fact 3 2023
Global water demand for agriculture is expected to increase by 35% by 2050. 
Fact 4 2023
Over 80% of the world's wastewater is released to the environment without being treated.
Fact 5 2023
Around 74% of all disasters from 2001-2018 were water-related, causing almost USD 700 billion in economic damage. 
Fact 6 2023
Since 2000, flood-related disasters have increased by 134%, and the number and duration of droughts increased by 29%. 
Fact 7 2023
Wetlands - the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems - are disappearing three times faster than forests, and 85% have been lost over the past 300 years. 
Fact 8 2023
Limiting global warming to 1.5°C, compared to 2°C, will benefit water resources and reduce water stress induced by climate change.   
Fact 10 2023
At least 600 million people at least partially depend on aquatic food systems for a living.   
Fact 11 2023
Almost 1 billion tonnes of food – 17% of all food available to consumers worldwide – is thrown away each year, resulting in the waste of precious resources, such as water, that were used to produce it. 
Fact 12 2023
95% of our food is produced on land and all begins with soil and water.   

Events

Whether you're a government, city, private business, non-government or civil society organization, journalist or individual, you can get involved and call for action.

We can provide you with multimedia content in several languages to share and support your World Food Day activity.

Get inspired for your activity or event.

Explore

Naples (Italy)

Together for the SDGs in Naples
23/05/2023 - 26/05/2023

Italy’s “Together for the SDGS” (#InsiemepergliSDG) campaign aims to engage the public in the SDGs and to encourage action...

Milan (Italy), Milan (Italy)

FAO at TUTTOFOOD
08/05/2023 - 11/05/2023

In recognition of its unique expertise in food and agriculture, FAO was invited to take part in TUTTOFOOD trade show to showcase the Organization's...

World Food Day Poster Contest 2023

Mark your calendar for the launch of this year’s Poster Contest in June! Take a look at the 2022 winners to get inspired.

THE WINNERS!
World Food Day Poster Contest 2022

World Food Day - It's your day!

Collective action across 150 countries worldwide, in up to 50 languages, is what makes World Food Day one of the most celebrated days of the UN calendar. Hundreds of events and outreach activities bring together governments, municipalities, businesses, CSOs, the media, the public, even youth. They promote worldwide awareness of hunger and promote action for the future of food, people and the planet. 

Together we can create a better, more sustainable food future for all. Make #WorldFoodDay YOUR day. Join the call by organizing an event or activity or show how you are taking action. 

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