UN: Innovation to address food crisis is focus of event in Brazil

On Friday, Oct. 16, the United Nations (UN) will host an event in Brasília, Brazil, to mark World Food Day. The campaign, titled "Innovate Today to Nourish Tomorrow," will be held in the city center and on digital platforms, transforming CONIC - Brasília's oldest commercial and cultural center - into a giant screen to display an institutional video.

The video will demonstrate how innovation can create sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agri-food systems. Jorge Meza, a Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) representative, emphasized that innovation extends beyond advanced technology. It also involves discovering new uses for traditional knowledge, exchanging experiences, combining different types of knowledge, and developing solutions suited to local needs.

The UN campaign includes a children-focused initiative featuring the Brazilian character, José Totoy, the "Big Eater." José Totoy, known for his colorful smile and commitment to growing his own food, has become a Food Hero and FAO Champion. The campaign's goal is to engage children and families in discussions about food, nutrition, and sustainable development.

With content available in over 30 languages on streaming platforms and YouTube, José Totoy has amassed more than 50 million followers, with his videos garnering up to 26 billion views. André Vaz, the character's creator and co-founder of Totoy Corp., expressed pride in participating in this significant project, stating that it aims to ensure that nutrition becomes part of children's lives from a young age.

The cartoon will be available on Totoy's YouTube channel and the digital platforms of the FAO campaign's partners, including the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). Portuguese, Spanish, and English versions will be available on YouTube, reaching approximately 190 countries.