Islamabad: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) on Friday launched Pakistan's World Food Day 2026 campaign, calling for greater innovation, research and collaboration to make the country's food systems more productive, nutritious and resilient.

Held at UVAS Lahore under the theme 'Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow,' the event brought together representatives of the United Nations, academia, students and other stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Pakistan's food systems. The programme opened with a World Food Day awareness walk and plantation activity, followed by a ceremony and a panel discussion on 'Transforming Pakistan's Food Systems: How can innovation make Pakistan's food systems more productive and nutritious?'

Speaking at the event, FAO Pakistan Officer-in-Charge James Okoth said innovation had an important role to play in strengthening food security and nutrition. 'Innovation is not only about technology. It is also about finding better ways to produce food, reduce losses, improve nutrition and strengthen the resilience of farmers and communities.'

He said stronger partnerships among government, academia, development partners, farmers and young people would be essential to transforming food systems.

UVAS Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Masood Rabbani said universities had a responsibility to turn research and knowledge into practical solutions. 'Our universities can help develop the knowledge, skills and innovations needed to build healthier, more sustainable and resilient food systems.'

The panel brought together representatives from FAO, the World Food Programme, academia, and youth. The event was attended by Head of Programme, FAO Ms. Amina Bajwa, Head of Provincial Office World Food Program Punjab Dr. Amara Khan and nutritionists from public and private sectors, faculty members and over 250 students from UVAS and partner institutions.

The World Food Day campaign is being marked globally on October 16, commemorating the founding of FAO in 1945. In Pakistan, FAO and its partners are using the 2026 campaign to encourage greater awareness and action around sustainable food production, healthy diets, reducing food waste and supporting farmers.