18 October 2024, Istanbul, Turkiye – CIFAL Istanbul, FAO, BAU SÜGAM, Bahcesehir University organized a Poster Competition to highlight this years concept “The Right to Food.”
The World Food Day Poster Competition has raised awareness about the right to food, promote understanding of sustainable agriculture and food systems, and created a social impact. This competition encouraged young people to advocate for everyone’s right to adequate, nutritious, diverse, and culturally appropriate food.
The student contestants focused on critical issues such as food security, justice, and sustainability through their posters. With the slogan “Leave No One Behind,” they envisioned a world where everyone has equal and safe access to food. Highlighting the importance of social, economic, and environmental justice while reaffirming that the right to food is a fundamental human right. It was emphasized that consumer organizations strive to make the food system more transparent and fair by raising public awareness about healthy nutrition.
The opening speech was delivered by Prof. Arif Ergin, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences. In his speech, he expressed his belief that these posters would enhance young people’s awareness of food sustainability, taking the first step toward a more sustainable future.
Assoc. Prof. Zeynep Tacer Caba, Director of SÜGAM, spoke about the ‘right to food,’ emphasizing that it is not only essential for survival but also for maintaining a healthy life through regular and sustainable access to food.
Assoc. Prof. Yasemin Ülker, Deputy Director of CIFAL Istanbul, has showcased data to explain that the existing food gap is indeed a gap that can be filled. She noted that the reason for the gap not being filled is due to factors such as lack of access, unawareness, and the inability to prevent food waste.
Dr. Ayşegül Selışık, Deputy Representative of FAO Turkey, called on young people to advocate for the right to food for a better life and a better future. She emphasized that we must not only ensure food availability but also make sure it is diverse and nutritious. To achieve this, we need to transform agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. This transformation must be comprehensive and involve multiple stakeholders. “Since conflicts have become a major cause of hunger and malnutrition, we need to say louder than ever that Peace Is a Prerequisite for Food Security.”
The World Food Day Poster Competition has raised awareness about the right to food, promote understanding of sustainable agriculture and food systems, and create social impact. This competition
encouraged young people to advocate for everyone’s right to adequate, nutritious, diverse, and culturally appropriate food. They envisioned a world where everyone has equal and safe access to food. This highlighted the importance of social, economic, and environmental justice while reaffirming that the right to food is a fundamental human right.
At the end of the competition, jury members presented plaques and awards to the winning students.
Award-winning Posters:
