TEHRAN – On the occasion of World Food Day 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Farouk Toirov, highlighted 80 years of work in improving food security and promoting sustainable agriculture, and called for stronger partnerships to achieve these common goals.
To commemorate World Food Day and International Rural Women’s Day, a national conference was held at the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) on Tuesday, October 14th.
The FAO representative stressed that the theme of World Food Day 2025, “Hands in hand for better food and a better future”, calls for collective action to protect the planet’s vital resources and at the same time empower those who produce, process and deliver food, especially rural women, who play a key role in sustaining household nutrition, food production and environmental stewardship.
Highlights the essential role of rural and nomadic women in achieving food security, sustainable agriculture, and community resilience.
“Rural and nomadic women play a central role in ensuring food security and sustainable livelihoods,” Toilov said.
Empowering them through access to knowledge, technology and resources is essential to achieving food security and a resilient future. ”
He further emphasized that while climate change and drought continue to impact food security around the world, the most serious threats today come from armed conflicts that disrupt agricultural production and global food supply chains.
“For 80 years, FAO has worked to improve global food systems and ensure food security for all.
Despite global progress, millions of people still face hunger and malnutrition,” Toilov said.
“Our mission can only be achieved if all actors, including governments, international organizations and the private sector, work together towards a better future.”
FAO, in collaboration with Iran’s Jahad Ministry of Agriculture, continues to support efforts aimed at strengthening the country’s agricultural system, including developing the competitiveness of the country’s key products such as pistachios, saffron and dates in global markets.
These efforts are contributing to increasing productivity, adapting to climate change, and creating opportunities for women farmers and entrepreneurs.
To commemorate FAO’s 80th anniversary, Mr. Toirov reaffirmed FAO’s determination to work closely with the Islamic Republic of Iran and other Member States to achieve better production, better nutrition, a better environment and better lives, leaving no one behind.