As the World Council of Churches (WCC) cohosted a webinar on World Food Day, observed 16 October, those gathered shared new initiatives, as well as the challenges related to hunger in today’s world. Co-organizers included the UN special rapporteur on the rights to water and sanitation, Geneva Environment Network, and World Vision International.
Mr. Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation.
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Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Life, Justice, and Peace, expressed appreciation for the contributions and experiences of the WCC’s partners. He also reflect on the theme of this year’s World Food Day: “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.”
Mtata noted that this theme presents a hopeful message—but also suggested focusing on feeding hungry people today. “In the Lord’s prayer, we pray ‘give us this day our daily bread,’ ” he noted. “We pray for the bread we need today.”
Dinesh Suna, WCC programme executive for Land, Water, and Food, who moderated the discussion, invited speakers to explore the nexus between food and water.
Athena Peralta, director of the WCC Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development, offered examples of how the WCC works with other faith-based organizations on issues related to food, water, and climate. “I would also like to share that, last year, the World Council of Churches launched the Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action, and here we see that this nexus between climate, water, and food justice is absolutely critical for climate justice action,” she said.
Mishelle Mitchell, regional director of external engagement for Latin America and the Caribbean for World Vision International, offered an update on the ongoing ecumenical advocacy against hunger, including the “Give your Loaves and Fish” Prayer and Action Against Hunger Campaign. In June 2026, the World Council of Churches, Caritas Internationalis, and World Vision International signed an open letter against hunger.
“Again, putting into action what Jesus said: How can we feed those who are not able to feed themselves?” she said. “In the face of hunger, we can see that faith can also inspire action.”
Dr Maude Barlow, author and creator of the Blue Communities project, reflected on the financialization of food. “This means food and agriculture are no longer being treated as a basic human need, and the control of food systems shifts away from farmers,” she said. “Now we are into the next phase: the financialization of nature.”
Dr Sofia Espinosa, land and water tenure specialist at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, offered a summary of the draft principles for the responsible governance of water tenure, which are categorized into four areas: foundational principles; governance, policy, and institutions; allocation, sustainability, and resilience; and justice, implementation, and equality.
The webinar also marked the one of the last public appearances of Prof. Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, UN special rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, whose six-year mandate is concluding. The WCC has worked closely with Arrojo-Agudo, particularly around the connections between water, food, human rights, and environmental justice, and Mtata and others gathered publicly expressed their deep appreciation for the special rapporteur’s work.
Arrojo-Agudo expressed his return thanks to the WCC and other groups. “I see your work every day, and for a long time,” he said. “Thank you for your attitude, your work, and your commitment.”
Watch the recording of this event
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