AfricaRice
was specially invited by the AUC to the 2011 commemoration of the Africa Food
and Nutrition Security Day (AFNSD) on 31 October, where the Director General
affirmed the Center’s full commitment to the goals of AFNSD in line with the MoU recently signed with AUC. The
2011 AFNSD was organized by the AUC and the New Partnership for Africa’s
Development (NEPAD) and co-hosted by the Government of the Federal Democratic
Republic of Ethiopia.
AFNSD, which was endorsed by the African Heads of State and
Governments during the 15th AU Summit, serves as a rallying point for
intensifying commitments at all levels to address the challenges of food and nutrition
insecurity, and malnutrition on the continent.
The event was
inaugurated by Dr Jean Ping, AUC Chairman. In addition to AUC and NEPAD members,
representatives from the Agriculture Ministry of Ethiopia, the Government of
Malawi, the European Union, UN agencies, AfricaRice and NGOs attended.
The program included an exhibition of
publications, posters and multi-media products. A display by AfricaRice
showcased a wide range of rice-based food products.
