A THREE-DAY celebration is underway in Honiara to commemorate the World Food Day and also other International Days recognized by the United Nations (UN).
The celebration which commenced on Wednesday is staged at the FOPA village in East Honiara.
It is held under the theme: “Right to foods for a better life and a better future.”
World Food Day is observed annually on 16 October to highlight the stark reality that millions of people worldwide cannot afford a healthy diet and the need for regular access to nutritious food.
Solomon Islands belated celebration is due to delays in the availability of funding.
In Solomon Islands, this annual celebration is led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Country Office in Honiara, stakeholders as well as farming groups and associations.
The three-day event this year is marked with other United Nations recognized days such as World Food Safety Day, World Environment Day, International Women’s Day and World Soil Day, which all highlight issues affecting the global food security.
The opening ceremony was graced with the attendance of the MAL Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi, FAO rep Douglas Yee, the New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jonathan Schwass, a rep from the Chinese Embassy and a rep from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
This year’s celebration also coincided with the launching of the ‘Coconut and Cocoa Revolving Scheme’ by the Minister of MAL and Permanent Secretary Dr Samson Viulu.
The activities organized as part of the celebration of the UN-recognized days and the Coconut and Cocoa Revolving Scheme include a Speech Competition for Form 4 students, a Cooking Competition, a General Essay Competition, entertainment and awareness programs.
By IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
