World Food Day Hungary – Join the 2026 campaign

Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.

Join a city-wide programme of dialogue, creativity and innovation around the future of food

Every year on 16 October, the world celebrates World Food Day, marking the anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The day serves as a global platform to raise awareness and inspire action towards a future where everyone has access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food, and where agrifood systems are more sustainable, resilient and inclusive.

The theme of World Food Day 2026, “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.”, highlights the transformative role of innovation in addressing the challenges facing our agrifood systems. Innovation takes many forms: scientific and technological breakthroughs, policy solutions, entrepreneurship, education, cultural expression and traditional knowledge. By combining diverse perspectives and ideas, we can shape a healthier and more sustainable future for people and the planet.

To mark the occasion, the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia is inviting cultural institutions, diplomatic missions, universities, research centres, civil society organizations and other partners to create a month-long programme of events across Budapest throughout October 2026.

The programme aims to transform World Food Day into a city-wide conversation that connects science, culture, education, innovation and international dialogue around one of the most fundamental questions of our time: how do we nourish the future?

Why participate?

By joining the World Food Day 2026 programme, partners will have the opportunity to:

• Be part of a global United Nations observance celebrated in more than 150 countries.
• Showcase their expertise, ideas, initiatives and achievements.
• Engage with new audiences and strengthen international dialogue.
• Connect with a diverse network of institutions across Budapest.
• Contribute to a shared vision of more sustainable, resilient and inclusive agrifood systems.

Who can participate?

We welcome the participation of institutions and organizations based in Budapest and beyond, including:

• Embassies and diplomatic missions.
• Cultural institutes and centres.
• Universities and research institutions.
• Museums, libraries and educational organizations. 
• Civil society organizations and youth groups.
• Private sector organizations and innovation communities.
• Other institutions interested in contributing to the dialogue on the future of food. 

How can you participate?

Partners are invited to organize and host activities that align with their own mission, expertise and priorities, while contributing to a shared dialogue on the future of food in line with the World Food Day 2026 theme, “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.”, and FAO’s commitment to sustainable, resilient and inclusive food and agriculture systems. Activities may take place at partner venues and be delivered using the partners’ own resources and capacities.

Possible formats include:

Culture and creativity

• Film screenings and discussions
• Exhibitions
• Artistic performances
• Literary events and public conversations
• Storytelling and multimedia presentations

Knowledge and innovation

• Public lectures and expert discussions
• Research presentations
• Innovation showcases
• Demonstrations of new technologies and approaches
• Workshops and educational activities

International dialogue and community engagement

• Discussions on national experiences and solutions
• Youth debates and competitions
• Interactive public events
• Activities promoting healthy diets, sustainable consumption and food awareness 
• Creative activities for children with educational elements related to sustainable food systems
• Charity event
  

These examples are illustrative, and we encourage partners to propose innovative formats that bring the World Food Day theme to life.

What does FAO provide?

FAO will:

• Coordinate the overall World Food Day programme in Budapest.
• Promote participating activities through FAO communication channels.
• Feature selected activities as part of the official World Food Day 2026 programme.
• Facilitate connections and collaboration among participating organizations.
• Contribute FAO expertise and, where appropriate and subject to availability, provide speakers for partner events.
• Provide World Food Day communication materials and visual identity guidelines to ensure coherence of the programme.
• Facilitate the use of global World Food Day resources, stories and data that can enrich partner activities.

What is expected from participating partners?

Participating institutions are expected to:

• Design and organize their own activities.
• Provide the necessary venues, speakers, materials and other resources required for implementation.
• Ensure that activities align with the values and objectives of World Food Day.
• Coordinate with FAO on programme information, timing and visibility.

Join the World Food Day 2026 programme

We invite institutions interested in participating to express their interest by 28 August 2026 by completing the online registration form and submitting it to: [email protected] and [email protected].