BY LORETTA B MANELE
This year’s 80th Anniversary of FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation) serves as a powerful reminder of Solomon Islands independence especially when the country endured difficult times.
Douglas Yee, National Project Coordinator for Integrated Forest Management Project expressed this whilst delivering remarks on behalf of FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator, Mr. Yangzhou Hu on Monday at Heritage Park Hotel.
He was speaking at Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock’s (MAL) three-tier program which included the launch of MAL’s Corporate Plan (2025-2028), launch of MAL’s first ANAC (Agriculture National Advisory Council) and World Food Day 2025.
Yee said World Food Day is observed on October 16 each year to celebrate the establishment of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
“This year is special in the sense that we also mark the 80th anniversary of FAO’s founding as we come together today, we contemplate this year’s theme “Hand in Hand for Better Food and Better Future”.
“This serves as a powerful reminder of our independence particularly during challenging times such as economic downturns, crises, disasters, but even during prosperous times,” he said.
Yee went on to state that most importantly, the theme calls for global solidarity to create a more sustainable and equitable food system for all.
He added that the theme also underscores the necessity for international collaboration and collective efforts to tackle hunger and malnutrition.
Moreover, Yee said Solomon Islands, as many regions worldwide, faces numerous challenges.
He said the country is progressing through this historical period and have come across difficulties varying from social discord, environmental issues including climate change and pollution, resource depletion to loss of biodiversity.
“Additionally, we face sector-specific challenges such as disruption in supply chains. Overall, the nation is highly susceptible to disasters and is further endangered by its small island economy and threatened for security.
“The rise in sea levels and extreme weather events complicates our ability to cultivate food, safe-guard our resources and ensure food accessibility for all. For island nations, these challenges particularly are ancient and significant, affecting lives, livelihoods and the environment itself,” he said.
Amidst these challenges, Yee said there is support which aims to foster resilience.
He stated that efforts are being made to ensure adaptation in the face of these challenges through various means.
Yee said it is now recognised that initiatives are in place to enhance parametric insurance, for example, as a tool to address catastrophes.
As in the case of food systems, he explained that significant measures have been implemented to create more sustainable and resilient food systems within communities in the Solomon Islands, facilitated by support and assistance in diverse forms.
Yee highlighted that FAO is privileged to accompany Solomon Islands on this journey.
He said FAO works with government agencies, local farmers, fishers and communities to boost food production to improve sustainable farming and fishing practices and guarantee that nutritious food is accessible to all.
Yee mentioned that whether through the introduction of primary resilient crop varieties, or the promotion of sustainable fishing methods, or the support of nutrition programmes for children and families, the organisation is dedicated to nurturing a food source so that Solomon Islands can be food secured.
He pointed out that this demands partnership.
“It demands partnership. The FAO appreciates the opportunity to work alongside the government of Solomon Islands, community organisations, regional partners, to exchange knowledge, mobilise resources and advocate for policies that would ensure this.
“Together we are creating pathways for an improved life today through enhanced food security, thereby laying the groundwork for a brighter future,” said Yee.
In closing remarks, he stressed that as we commemorate World Food Day 2025, we should bear in mind that securing better food for a better future is not merely an objective but a pledge to dignity, health and hope for all.
“By ensuring that every individual has access to food, we not only enhance lives, but also fortify families, communities and ultimately the future of Solomon Islands. I extend my gratitude to everyone for your commitment, your diligent efforts and for uniting in this shared vision. Together, let us persist in striving towards a world where better food is a reality for all,” he said.
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