The 2025 World Food Forum (WFF) concluded in Rome with renewed global commitment to transforming agrifood systems through solidarity, science, and investment. The event, held at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), coincided with the celebration of FAO’s 80th anniversary, drawing leaders, policymakers, farmers, scientists, investors, and youth from nearly 200 countries under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.”
The Forum hosted over 300 events, attracting 16,500 in-person participants and more than 60,000 virtual attendees. Its global reach extended to 1.5 billion people through social media, highlighting growing interest in sustainable and inclusive food systems. The Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum showcased opportunities worth $17.2 billion, presenting projects from 31 countries and six regional initiatives aimed at improving the lives of 160 million people.
A major highlight was the “From Seeds to Foods” exhibition, which traced the evolution of agriculture from ancient practices to modern innovations. The display featured agricultural drones, satellite technologies, aquaponic systems, and a replica of the Svalbard Seed Vault—demonstrating how technology and tradition can coexist to ensure food security.
World Food Day 2025 marked FAO’s eight decades of advancing global food security. The celebration brought together world leaders and dignitaries in Rome to reflect on progress and renew commitments to eliminating hunger. The inauguration of the FAO Food and Agriculture Museum and Network (MuNe) also took place, celebrating food heritage while promoting innovation for future generations.
The Forum’s three pillars—Youth, Science and Innovation, and Investment—illustrated how collaboration can translate vision into tangible outcomes. The Science and Innovation Forum explored climate-resilient agriculture, digital farming, and sustainable water management, while the Youth Assembly convened over 1,200 young leaders and awarded $160,000 in funding to support youth-driven agrifood solutions.
Key side events such as the Rome Water Dialogue and the South-South and Triangular Cooperation Ministerial Dialogue reinforced the importance of global unity in addressing food and water challenges. The closing session emphasized the “One Health” approach, linking human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health as essential to food system sustainability.
The 2025 World Food Forum reaffirmed the world’s shared responsibility to build sustainable, equitable, and hunger-free food systems uniting generations in the pursuit of a better and more resilient future.
