FAO Yemen: FAO Marks 80 Years of Global Impact and 40 Years of Partnership in Yemen with Youth‑Led Celebrations of World Food Day

Mukalla & Aden, October 2025 

As the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) commemorates its 80th anniversary globally and marks 40 years of engagement in Yemen, the Organization warns of worsening food insecurity across the country. Nearly 18.1 million Yemenis are acutely food insecure. 

This year's World Food Day (October 16), held under the global theme "Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future" saw FAO Yemen mobilize youth and academic communities in the governorates of Hadramout and Aden, reaffirming the right to food and the vital role of farmers, herders and fishers who represent the backbone of the country's food system having 70% of the population relaying on agriculture to survive.  

"Food is a right, not a privilege. These events celebrate Yemen's youth and academic institutions as catalysts for change. Their voice, creativity and action are critical to building resilient food systems," said Alnimer Mohammed, Head of Logistics representing FAO at the event. 

Spotlight on Youth, Art and Innovation 
In Hadramout (October 19), in collaboration with Hadramout University, the Governor of Hadramout, Mr Mabkhout Mubarak Bin Madi, and FAO, organized a full-day event aimed at engaging youth in sustainable development and food security. Activities included a cultural ceremony and the opening of an art exhibition showcasing student artwork focused on sustainable food. Students also participated in a tree-planting initiative as a gesture of environmental stewardship. An innovation fair showcased the work of women-led cooperatives in agriculture and fisheries, supported by the FAO. At the same time, a panel discussion explored the complex linkages between water scarcity, food production and food security in Yemen's fragile context. 
Family livelihood and handicraft groups, and fisheries associations enriched the event with cultural displays and traditional dances celebrating Hadrami agriculture and coastal life. Their contributions reflected a shared commitment to good food and a sustainable future.

In Aden (October 16), celebrations at Aden University counted with the presence of the president of the university Mr Al-Kadher Naser were attended and Mr Rashad Shaea deputy governor of Aden, the university's president, and deputy governor of Adem, the presidency of the university and featured a lecture on food security and nutrition, designed to empower young people as future changemakers. An art exhibition offered students creative platforms to express their thoughts on food rights. The day concluded with a tree-planting campaign, led by students from various disciplines at the university, emphasizing the role of youth in advancing local ecosystem restoration and resilience. 

In Rome, Italy (October 13), as part of a global exhibition " From Seed to Foods", FAO Yemen had the opportunity to showcase and promote the coffee from Yemen on an international stage. Shibam International and Yafa Golden Coffee were present, showcasing Yemen's rich culture and heritage. Farea Mohammed, FAO's Senior Programme Specialist, shares, "The event has allowed me to raise awareness about Yemen's current needs, but at the same time showcase the efforts of thousands of farmers who are struggling to join the global market". 

Sustained Commitment, Urgent Call 
FAO's presence in Yemen spans over four decades, working in close collaboration with national institutions, development partners, and communities to promote sustainable agriculture, water and natural resource management, and nutrition programming.  

These celebrations were possible through the generous support of FAO's resource partners, who continue to enable life-saving and livelihood-supporting interventions across the country.

"With strengthened support, Yemen's young people and food producers can be agents of resilience, peace and recovery," Abdulkarim Naji Al-Sabri, FAO Water Resources Specialist, Mukalla

About FAO Yemen 
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations supports sustainable agriculture, fisheries, water resource management, and nutrition interventions nationwide. In alignment with the right to food and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, FAO works to build resilient, inclusive food systems that can withstand conflict and climate pressures.