The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Monday commenced a week of commemorations for World Food Day, an initiative aimed to increasing security and sustainability of global food systems.

Monday also marked the start of this year's World Food Forum (WFF). Together, the two initiatives are a centerpiece of the United Nations' efforts to help transform global agrifood systems and reduce the impact of climate change.

This year's World Food Day focused on water, with the tagline: "Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind."

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu highlighted the connection between water and food, saying, "Without water there is no food. And there is no food security without water security."

Rapid population growth, urbanization, industrialization, economic development and the climate crisis have all taken a toll on water resources worldwide, while increasing floods and droughts are impacting global agrifood systems, Qu said.

"Accelerated action is needed if we are to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," he underlined.

In a video message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that this year's World Food Day "comes during a global food crisis, with the world moving backwards on ending hunger and malnutrition."

"The sustainable management of water for agriculture and food production is essential to end hunger, achieve the SDGs, and preserve water for future generations," Guterres said, calling for efforts from governments, the private sector, civil society and academia to end hunger.

Other world leaders attending the event included Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Irish President Michael D. Higgins, and UN World Food Program Executive Director Cindy McCain.

Later in the day, the third edition of the WFF kicked off at FAO's headquarters in Rome and online. Under the theme "Agrifood systems transformation accelerates climate action," the event will last until Oct. 20.

The WFF will host the WFF Global Youth Forum, the FAO Science and Innovation Forum and the FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum, gathering some 10,000 participants worldwide to discuss ways to address pressing issues about the agrifood systems.

A range of food and farming-related exhibits and events during the WFF will provide a platform of dialogue for young people, farmers, experts and investors. Among these, the WFF's Global Education Fair brings together youth-led projects worldwide to underscore the pivotal role of agrifood systems in expediting climate action.

Two projects launched by Green Light-Year, an environmental service center from China, are among the five finalists of the Global Education Fair this year, and will be presented online this week.

GanPeiling, communications and partnership officer at FAO's China Office, told Xinhua that the Office had organized a pro bono light show with interactive drone formations in China, in order to raise public awareness on protecting water resources and food security.