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October 16th • Global Ethics

World Food Day

World Food Day is an international day celebrated every year around the world on October 16th to commemorate the date of the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation in 1945. Today, we debate the ethics of global food security, the massive problem of food waste in developed nations, and how we can build a more sustainable future for the planet's growing population. Is ending world hunger a political problem or a logistical one?

A field of golden wheat at sunset

Speaking Discussion

  • Do you think it's possible to completely end world hunger within your lifetime? What are the biggest obstacles in our way?
  • Why do developed nations waste so much food (billions of tons per year) while other parts of the world struggle with famine?
  • In your opinion, should supermarket chains be legally forced to donate their unsold food to charities and homeless shelters?
  • How does your personal diet affect the global environment? Are you conscious of where your food comes from when you shop?
  • Do you think vertical farming and lab-grown meat are the future of human nutrition, or should we focus on traditional farming?
  • How can local communities take more responsibility for their own food security (e.g., community gardens, local markets)?

Activity 1: The zero-Waste Campaign

The Task: You are a Sustainability Consultant. You need to design a social media campaign to reduce food waste in your city.

What is your slogan, and what is your main call to action?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The best way to reduce food waste is..."
  • "I think global food security is..."
  • "In my opinion, sustainability is..."