(KPL)The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, in collaboration with the United Nations in the Lao PDR, held a joint event to commemorate World Food Day and the International Day and National Week for the Eradication of Poverty. The event was officially opened by General Vilay Lakhamfong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security, alongside Mr Linkham Douangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Mrs. Martine Thérer, United Nations Resident Coordinator ad interim (UNRC a.i.) / United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Ms. Kyung Mee-Kim, FAO Representative to the Lao PDR.

Themed “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future” for World Food Day, and “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Acting Together for Just, Peaceful and Inclusive Societies” for the International Day and National Week for the Eradication of Poverty, the event served as a platform for stakeholders to unite in addressing hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. The occasion emphasized the urgent need to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030, both locally and globally.

Tackling Food Security and Poverty

Speaking at the event, Mr. Linkham Douangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, outlined the various challenges that contribute to food insecurity, including climate change, natural hazards, disease outbreaks, conflicts, and the rising cost of goods. Despite these obstacles, the Lao PDR achieved substantial progress in 2024, reaching 95% of its rice production target and 75% of its meat production target. Mr. Douangsavanh highlighted how these achievements align with the country’s vision for sustainable agricultural transformation, reducing dependency on imports, and boosting exports of value-added agricultural products.

FAO Representative Kyung Mee-Kim emphasized the importance of recognizing food as a basic human right. "The right to food is not just an aspiration but a fundamental human right," she stated. Ms. Kim noted that while the Lao PDR, like many countries, has faced economic shocks and the lingering effects of global crises, there is a need to transform food systems to become more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. She stressed that equitable access to resources such as land, water, forests, and fisheries is crucial to achieving food security for all.

Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion

In her remarks, Mrs. Martine Thérer, UN Resident Coordinator ad interim, reiterated that poverty reduction is vital to securing the right to food. She emphasized that efforts to combat poverty must involve all sectors of society and take a comprehensive approach to building resilience within communities. "Working together through a whole-of-society approach is essential to ensuring no one is left behind," Thérer said, aligning her message with the theme of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Thérer also reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to addressing the most pressing development challenges that contribute to poverty and inequality. She encouraged continued partnerships between the government, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to drive progress.

National and International Commitment

The joint celebration was attended by representatives from various ministries, development organizations, civil society, the private sector, youth, and members of the public. The event highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Lao PDR and its partners to strengthen food security, reduce poverty, and build a more equitable society.

The commemorations underscored the need for collective action to address the root causes of hunger and poverty while promoting sustainable development and ensuring that no one is left behind.

KPL