Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Under this inspiring motto, schoolchildren gathered for a vibrant festival in Nukus, which brought together hundreds of students, teachers, and invited experts for a day filled with educational and entertaining activities focused on food security and healthy eating. This event, dedicated to World Food Day, was initiated by FAO in partnership with the Zamin Foundation and the Ministry of Preschool and School Education.

The organizers set ambitious goals: to help young people to understand their roles in ensuring food security and significance of right nutrition.

FAO Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia, Viorel Gutu addressed participants in a video message and congratulated the participants on the opening of the festival and emphasized the need for commitment to building more efficient, sustainable, and resilient food and agriculture systems that can meet the needs of all people. “The right to food is a fundamental human right,” he stated. “Collective action can make a big change when implemented through global cooperation. We must remember that each of us plays an important role in ensuring food security, and it is our responsibility to be mindful of our planet's resources.”

Representatives from the Ministry of Preschool and School Education and eco-activists involved in the Ecoschools program delivered welcoming speeches at the event. The festival's main activities featured interactive competitions and workshops, allowing participants to showcase their knowledge, creativity, and resourcefulness in nutrition and food security. A highlight of the festival was a competition to create models of community gardens, guided by a foreign expert. Students formed teams to compete for the most innovative ideas.

A photo exhibition by renowned Austrian photographer Klaus Pichler, titled “Grown for the Bin” set the tone for the festival. Through his work, Pichler addresses the critical issue of food waste, highlighting the various reasons food is discarded, ranging from expired products to over-purchasing and improper storage.

“Our festival not only showcases the richness and diversity of culture but also serves as a reminder of the challenges we face regarding food security. Today, climate change poses a significant threat to agriculture, leading to reduced crop yields and increased hunger. According to the UN report, over 700 million people experienced food insecurity and hunger last year, a figure that continues to rise. Additionally, nearly one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted, underscoring the importance of sustainable resource management. The topic of World Food Day 2024, is “The Right to Food: for Better Live and Better Future,” highlights the FAO’s vital mission to ensure food for everyone and everywhere. Events like these are crucial, as they not only celebrate our efforts but also serve as a benchmark for new initiatives and collaboration in sustainable development. ‘Only through joint efforts can we create a sustainable society where everyone has access to safe and nutritious food,’ said Sherzod Umarov, Assistant Representative of the FAO in Uzbekistan while addressing youth.

The painting contest titled “How do I envision healthy eating?” was equally inspiring, with schoolchildren sharing their visions of the future of nutrition. The standout submissions highlighted the importance of sustainable products and concern for the health of our planet. Participants were also reminded of the ongoing poster competition announced on the FAO website: FAO World Food Day Contest, with the application deadline on November 8.

Young minds also engaged in interactive discussions with nutrition expert, where they pondered about proper nutrition and its impact on health. The expert helped the schoolchildren understand the importance of daily eating habits, and presented examples of why it is important to limit the consumption of sugar and fast food, choosing healthier alternatives.

One of the key moments of the festival was a workshop on planting, where kids planted fruit trees in the school garden, under the guidance of expert agronomists. The children also learned what an important role plants and soil health play in maintaining ecosystems and combating climate change.

The most active participants received memorable gifts from partners. The celebrations wrapped up with the energetic rhythm of schoolkids’ flash mob giving the celebrations a more festive spirit.