Hand in hand for better food and a better future: Partnerships for Sri Lanka’s SDG journey

As Sri Lanka joins the global community in marking World Food Day 2025 today (16) under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” the message is clear: achieving food security and nutrition for all requires collaboration that transcends institutional boundaries, sectors, and generations. In a world of increasing shocks and stresses, no single actor can shoulder this responsibility alone.

- By VIMLENDRA SHARAN, SHERINA TABASSUM AND PHILIP Ward

Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture. Despite commendable progress in reducing hunger and malnutrition, the combined impacts of economic volatility, climate variability, and market disruptions continue to challenge households and communities. Food security and nutrition for all still remains unfulfilled while rural communities - particularly smallholder farmers - face barriers in accessing markets, finance, and climate-smart technologies, globally and in Sri Lanka. Delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in this context is not just about meeting global commitments; it is about securing livelihoods, dignity, and stability within the country.

The United Nations’ Rome-based agencies - FAO, IFAD, and WFP, - each bring distinct strengths to this effort. FAO provides policy and technical expertise to modernise and diversify agriculture. IFAD invests in rural transformation, empowering smallholder farmers by strengthening inclusive value chains and enhancing access to finance. WFP addresses immediate food and nutrition needs while strengthening school meals, emergency preparedness, and social safety nets to build resilient food systems. However, the real impact comes when these efforts converge - aligned with national priorities and reinforced through partnerships with government institutions, private sector innovation, civil society engagement, and community participation.