Laos to Mark World Food Day and Poverty Eradication Week
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KPL - Asean 2024
Laos will observe the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and National Week for the Eradication of Poverty from October 17–24, while the 46th anniversary of World Food Day will be marked in Vientiane Capital on November 6–7.
Minister of Agriculture and Environment Linkham Douangsavanh announced the programme at a press conference on October 15, highlighting national efforts to address hunger, food insecurity and poverty.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in cooperation with the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union Central Committee, the Lao Women’s Union and development partners, will organise the World Food Day celebration under the theme “Develop Today for a Prosperous Future.”
The event will be held at ASEAN Park near Patuxay Monument and feature a national seminar on food security, a youth forum on sustainable food systems, and exhibitions of agricultural products and innovations.
World Food Day is observed internationally on October 16 each year, while the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty falls on October 17. Laos has marked its National Week for the Eradication of Poverty annually from October 17–24 since 2003.
According to figures cited by the minister from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), an estimated 7.8 per cent of the global population experiences hunger, while 25.8 per cent faces moderate or severe food insecurity.
In Laos, poor households account for 14.7 per cent of households nationwide, while malnutrition among children under five remains a major challenge.
The annual observances aim to raise awareness of food security and poverty reduction, encourage cooperation among government agencies and development partners, and promote sustainable food systems and improved living standards.