Tag Archives: world food day

The Celebration of United Nations Day

22 Thursday Oct 2020

Posted by in News, Special Events

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Earlier this month, we celebrated Mental Health Day and World Food Day. What do these holidays have in common? Besides both falling under categories playing a significant role in personal health, they are also international days currently observed by the United Nations. We’re keeping the trend moving by celebrating one more international day in October, United Nations Day.

After World War II had ended, the world wanted peace. United Nations Day or UN Day marks the anniversary of its presence in the world on October 24. In June 1945, 50 countries met in San Francisco to create the UN Charter. The document was ratified by a majority of signatories, including the five members of the Security Council (China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States.) Nearly four months later, the United Nations officially came into existence. Read more about the history.

Today, the United Nations is made up of 193 Member States. The goals of the UN are simple; however, that does not mean they are easily achievable:

  • To maintain international peace and security
  • To protect human rights
  • To deliver humanitarian aid
  • To promote sustainable development
  • To uphold international law

There’s no question that the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations comes during a time that many of us have never experienced first hand. The entire world has seen great disruption due to the global pandemic, including serious economic and social impacts. However, the United Nations believes that challenging times can also become an opportunity for positive change and transformation when we all work together.

In a typical year, the UN would celebrate its anniversary with a concert held at the General Assembly Hall. Of course, due to the pandemic, the concert will be prerecorded and screened today, October 22, at 12 pm EST/11 am CST. The theme of this year’s concert is called “Reimagine, Rebalance, Restart: recovering together for our shared humanity.” The concert will also be screened live on the UN YouTube Channel as well as its other social media platforms.

The United Nations believes that art and culture have an unbelievable ability to bring people together through connection and common understanding. Today’s performance will leverage the power of both “music and dance to capture the world’s collective commitment to cooperation, multilateralism and global solidarity.”

If you plan to attend the concert, be sure to stop back and let us know your thoughts about the event.

Happy United Nations Day from Lions Pride!

The Pandemic’s Effect on Hunger & World Food Day 2020

15 Thursday Oct 2020

Posted by in Holidays, News, Special Events

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As residents of planet Earth, we all have certain necessities that we need to satisfy to survive. We bet it wouldn’t take long for you to list these items. We all need shelter, water, air and, of course, food. Unfortunately, just because these needs are necessary doesn’t mean that they are guaranteed for us all.

According to 2016 data from LCI, over 815 million people around the world are impacted by hunger. Sadly, as the world continues to face the negative impacts of the pandemic, this number has likely increased. And, unless we take immediate action now, we all risk a worldwide food emergency that could have lingering effects on hundreds of millions of our global neighbors.

Before we get too ahead of ourselves, let’s take a step back with some terminology, starting by defining hunger. When people face food insecurity, they are not able to meet their food requirements or consume enough calories for a normal, active life. This long-term struggle unquestionably leads to ongoing, future implications for these individuals. Learn more about the challenge COVID-19 presents for both food and agriculture.

The evidence has become clear, although there is enough food on our planet for everyone, too many of our neighbors are battling hunger. That’s why the timing of the next UN international holiday couldn’t be more fitting – World Food Day.

Each year on October 16, the United Nations celebrates the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization in 1945. Like all major events in 2020, the 75th anniversary will be different than events in years past.   

On Friday, FAO Special Ambassadors, heads of the Rome-based UN agencies and other keynote speakers will meet virtually to ensure everyone is able to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and access to healthy and nutritious food. You can join in by watching the webcast.

Naturally, we are always looking for new ways to make the world a better place. Although we may not be a direct line in the global food chain operation, there are still ways to make a positive impact. Remember that consumers also play an important role. How will you choose to make a difference?

Happy World Food Day from Lions Pride!