The University of Faisalabad organized the 3rd International Symposium on World Food Day 2025, a significant academic event dedicated to advancing discussions on food security, nutrition, and sustainability. The symposium’s theme, “Hands in Hand: Foods for Better Life, for Better Future,” reflected a global commitment to addressing one of humanity’s most pressing challenges—ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sustainable food for all.

The event, hosted by the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, brought together a distinguished panel of experts, scholars, and students from national and international institutions. It served as a vibrant platform for intellectual exchange, encouraging collaborative thinking and innovation in the pursuit of better food systems.

Opening Session: A Vision for Food Security and Nutrition

The symposium began with an inspiring opening session led by Dr. Amber Tehseen, Acting Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. In her welcome address, she emphasized the importance of World Food Day as more than just an annual event—it is a global reminder of the responsibility shared by individuals, communities, and institutions to combat hunger and malnutrition.

Dr. Amber highlighted how sustainable diets and equitable access to food are not merely health issues but moral imperatives. She expressed gratitude to the guest speakers, faculty, and students for their active participation, noting that collective action and knowledge sharing are the cornerstones of achieving a hunger-free future.

Her remarks set a thoughtful tone for the symposium, encouraging participants to think critically about the interconnectedness of food production, nutrition, environment, and human health.

Keynote Address: The Role of Innovation and Regulation

The keynote speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Faqir Muhammad Anjum, CEO of a leading halal certification and food safety organization, who graced the event as the Chief Guest. In his address, he underscored the pivotal role of innovation, regulation, and collaboration in shaping modern food systems.

Dr. Anjum pointed out that achieving food security requires a multi-dimensional approach—one that integrates science, policy, and ethics. He discussed how halal food certification not only ensures compliance with religious values but also enhances international trade, quality assurance, and consumer trust.

He further stressed the need for universities and research institutions to bridge the gap between academia and industry. According to him, developing safe and sustainable food solutions demands that future professionals are equipped with both scientific expertise and a sense of social responsibility.

His powerful message resonated throughout the hall, reminding attendees that progress in nutrition and food safety depends on both innovation and integrity.

International Collaboration and Global Perspectives

The symposium reached beyond national borders through online participation from renowned international scholars. Prof. Dr. Aamir Shehzad from France and Dr. Munawar Abbas from Ireland joined the event virtually, sharing valuable insights into the global food system and nutritional research.

Prof. Shehzad spoke on the role of international institutions in tackling food insecurity through research collaboration and policy reform. He encouraged universities to focus on applied research that directly benefits communities, emphasizing that global partnerships are vital in solving complex challenges such as malnutrition and food waste.

Dr. Abbas, meanwhile, shed light on the microbiome-nutrition connection, explaining how gut health influences physical and mental well-being. He discussed how emerging research in this field can help prevent chronic diseases, improve immunity, and enhance the overall quality of life. His presentation highlighted the importance of integrating biotechnology and nutritional sciences for a healthier future.

National Scholars on Sustainable Nutrition and Health

The symposium featured several national experts who shared their knowledge and research findings on various aspects of food science and nutrition. Dr. Nazir Ahmad, Chair of Nutritional Sciences at Government College University Faisalabad, opened the scientific session by elaborating on the concept of functional foods—foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. He emphasized that the growing burden of lifestyle diseases makes functional foods an essential component of preventive healthcare.

Dr. Muhammad Kamran Khan discussed the challenges of translating academic research into practical applications. He highlighted the importance of industry-academia partnerships and how universities can collaborate with the private sector to bring innovative food products to market.

Dr. Abdul Momin spoke about sustainable dietary practices, drawing attention to how the choices people make every day can have long-term environmental and health impacts. He advocated for plant-based diets, reduced food waste, and eco-friendly food production systems as sustainable paths forward.

Prof. Dr. Amna Sehar shared insights into emerging technologies in food systems, focusing on innovations in food preservation, packaging, and nutrient fortification. Her talk demonstrated how scientific advancements can enhance food safety, quality, and accessibility.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mahwish highlighted issues of community nutrition, emphasizing the need for public awareness campaigns and equitable access to affordable, nutritious food. Dr. Sakhawat Ali concluded the national panel with an in-depth analysis of policy development in nutritional sciences, urging for stronger governmental and institutional frameworks to implement nutrition-related strategies effectively.

Contribution of Food Safety Authorities

The presence of representatives from the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) added a practical dimension to the symposium. Mr. Imtiaz Hussain, Additional Director Operations, and Mr. Asad Ali, Deputy Director Operations, shared valuable insights on food safety, compliance, and regulatory challenges in Pakistan.

They discussed ongoing efforts to standardize food handling, labeling, and hygiene practices across the province. Their presentations underscored how collaboration between academia and government bodies is essential for maintaining food quality and protecting public health.

Scientific Discussions and Knowledge Exchange

Throughout the day, the symposium hosted a series of interactive sessions and presentations covering a wide array of topics. Participants explored themes such as the microbiome and nutrition, functional foods and health, climate-smart agriculture, food innovation, and global food security strategies.

These sessions encouraged lively discussion and debate, with participants sharing both theoretical perspectives and real-world solutions. Students and young researchers were particularly inspired by the opportunity to engage with leading experts, gaining exposure to contemporary research trends and policy debates.

Closing Ceremony: A Celebration of Knowledge and Collaboration

As the day drew to a close, a souvenir distribution ceremony was held to honor the distinguished speakers, guests, and organizers. The Rector of The University of Faisalabad presided over the closing session, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all participants for making the event a success.

In his concluding remarks, he reaffirmed the university’s dedication to promoting research, innovation, and social responsibility in the field of nutrition and food sciences. He emphasized that the symposium’s success reflects the institution’s ongoing efforts to connect education with real-world challenges, empowering students to contribute meaningfully to society.

Conclusion: Toward a Healthier and Sustainable Future

The 3rd International Symposium on World Food Day 2025 was more than an academic event—it was a celebration of shared purpose, innovation, and collaboration. It underscored the urgent need for collective action to create sustainable food systems that support health, equity, and environmental balance.

The discussions held throughout the symposium highlighted that addressing food insecurity requires not only science and technology but also compassion, cooperation, and strong governance. As participants departed, they carried with them a renewed sense of commitment—to use knowledge and innovation as tools for building a healthier, more sustainable world.