“Leave no one behind: better production, food, environment”

By Vatican News reporter

“Leaving No One Behind: Better Production, Better Food, Better Environment and Better Life for All” is the mission and title of a Rome-based seminar to be held on October 27.

The study day, to reflect on these “more relevant than ever” subjects, is organized by the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the FAO, IFAD and WFP; the Rome Forum of Catholic-inspired non-governmental organizations; and the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics and Human Rights, established at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum and at the European University of Rome.

Alongside World Food Day 2022, the event will address the importance of leaving no one behind and aiming for better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life, in order to defeat poverty and growing inequalities and putting humanity back on its feet. a path that takes into account long-term development, inclusive economic growth and the well-being of the planet.

Hunger, a harsh reality for 828 million

It is estimated that in 2030, nearly 670 million people, or about 8% of the world’s population, will still suffer from hunger.

Appeals from Pope Francis

Pope Francis repeatedly insists on the urgency of ending the scourge of hunger through concrete actions and courageous policies.

We can recall his strong words in his message to the pre-summit on food systems in 2021 organized by the UN in Rome from July 26 to 28, 2021.

Unprecedented cooperation required to address urgent need

The objective of this meeting, specify the organizers, is “to reflect on the urgency of transforming the way we produce and consume food, for ourselves and for our planet, knowing that this will require unprecedented cooperation. We will do this, moving from a theoretical perspective, dwelling on the actions to be taken for better production, better food, a better environment and a better life for every human being.”

Participants will dwell on concrete experiences highlighting how the development of innovative ideas, the creation of strategic partnerships, and a deep concern for the world’s poorest, are preparatory to the change that we hope, “to prepare the future of everything, without excluding anyone: that of everyone. Because without an overall vision, there will be no future for anyone,” as Pope Francis said during his Divine Mercy homily on April 19, 2020.

The program

From the Vatican, Cardinal Peter Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, will speak on “one human family, food for all as food justice”, while Dr. Stefano Zamagni, president of the Pontifical Academy of the social sciences, will discuss “what institutions are urgently needed today to achieve food security.

Dr Jyotsna Puri, Associate Vice-President of IFAD, will discuss “Food Security in an Age of Conflict and Climate Change;” Dr. Maximo Torero Cullen, Chief Economist at FAO, will reflect on “a systems vision to achieve a better life for all actors in agrifood systems;” and Dr Luigi Sbarra, General Secretary of the ICFTU”, will focus on “decent work, the bud of the common good”.

In addition, “the human right to integral human development that ensures food and environment for vulnerable people”, will be explored by Professor Alberto Garcia Gomez, Dean of the Faculty of Bioethics at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome, and “a nutrition”, will be explained by Professor Manon Khazrai, Professor of Human Nutrition at the Faculty of Food Sciences and Human Nutrition of the Bio Medico University Campus located in Rome.

Dr Francesca Benigno, from the Federation of Christian Organizations for International Voluntary Service (FOCSIV) will speak on “Agroforestry and the defense of land rights” based on her experience in Myanmar, and Dr Lia Zervino, from the Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO), will discuss “Engaging Women to Ensure a More Inclusive Future”.

Dr. Vincenzo Conso, coordinator of the Rome Forum of Catholic-inspired NGOs, will moderate the event; and Fr. José Enrique Oyarzun, LC, Rector of Regina Apostolorum, will welcome the participants to the study day.

Msgr. Fernando Chica Arellano, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to FAO, IFAD and WFP, will deliver closing remarks.

How to take the seminar

The seminar will take place partly in person and partly online.

To follow the event online, you can register using this link.

One can instead register to be physically present at the Rome event here.

Translations in English, Italian and Spanish will be available via Zoom.