fbpx

W Hydrocolloids, Inc. Joins Global Agrifood Leaders at FAO’s World Food Forum 2024

We’re proud to announce that W Hydrocolloids, Inc. played a key role at this year’s World Food Forum (WFF), representing the Philippines on the global stage. As part of the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, our CEO Winston Wee joined international leaders, policymakers, and innovators in Rome, Italy, to discuss transformative strategies for sustainable agrifood systems and to reinforce the Philippines’ National Development Plan.

The Hand-in-Hand Initiative aims to fortify the impact of the National Development Plan by focusing on high-potential sectors such as seaweed, mango, abaca, and bamboo. These resources, vital to the Philippines’ economy, have promising roles in sustainable agriculture and rural development. Through strategic collaboration, the initiative seeks to enhance productivity, create jobs, and promote eco-friendly agricultural practices that align with global standards.

   W Hydrocolloids Inc.’s CEO Winston Wee, UN FAO World Food Forum 2024

World Food Forum 2024: A Transformative Global Platform

The WFF flagship event, held annually by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is a powerful global platform. The 2024 edition took place from October 14-18 at the FAO headquarters in Rome, as well as online, uniting leaders and changemakers around the theme, “Good food for all, for today and tomorrow.” The goal of the WFF is to transcend boundaries and generations, bringing together experts across disciplines to rethink and reshape the future of agrifood systems.

A Deep Dive into the 2024 Event Pillars: Global Youth Action, Science and Innovation, and Hand-in-Hand Investment

   W Hydrocolloids Inc.’s CEO Winston Wee, with other delegates from the Philippines, UN FAO World Food Forum 2024

This year’s WFF was built upon three foundational pillars:

Global Youth Action: This pillar emphasizes the importance of youth involvement, recognizing young people as critical drivers of change. Sessions focused on engaging and empowering youth leaders, providing them with resources and a platform to innovate solutions that address pressing global food security and sustainability challenges.

Science and Innovation: Bringing together researchers, scientists, and innovators, this pillar focused on harnessing the latest advancements in agrifood technology. From AI-powered farming solutions to climate-resilient crops, Science and Innovation sessions promoted groundbreaking approaches that improve productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

Hand-in-Hand Investment: This pillar highlights the essential role of partnerships in driving sustainable growth. By fostering collaboration among governments, private investors, and development agencies, the WFF aims to amplify the Hand-in-Hand Initiative’s reach and efficacy..

  Celebrating 60 Years of FAO Investment Center, UN FAO World Food Forum 2024

W Hydrocolloids, Inc. and the Philippines’ Role in the Global Agenda

W Hydrocolloids, Inc. has been a steadfast supporter of sustainable practices, particularly in the seaweed industry—a sector with immense potential for providing sustainable income and supporting environmental health in the Philippines. CEO Winston Wee’s participation in the Hand-in-Hand Initiative underscores our commitment to strengthening agricultural sectors through innovative practices that contribute to both economic and ecological sustainability.

The event also hosted landmark gatherings, such as World Food Day 2024, the Rome Water Dialogue on Water Scarcity in Agriculture, and the Global Family Farming Forum. These gatherings addressed critical topics such as water scarcity, family farming, and solutions for feeding a growing global population, ensuring that discussions extended beyond the present-day challenges to long-term sustainability.

Toward a Sustainable Agrifood Future

  Department of Agriculture Sec. Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., Presenting the Agrifood Key Investment Opportunities for the Philippines, UN FAO World Food Forum 2024

W Hydrocolloids, Inc. is honored to contribute to this global movement, advocating for responsible practices that benefit local communities and align with international standards. As we return from the WFF, we’re inspired to drive the insights and strategies gained in Rome forward, reinforcing our commitment to developing sustainable, innovative, and inclusive agrifood systems that benefit both people and the planet.