United Nations, Dhu Al-Qa'da 08, 1431, Oct 16, SPA -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday stressed that unity is the key to eliminating world hunger and called for cooperation between governments, international and regional bodies, and civil society. The number of the world's hungry has eased slightly to 925 million from its record high of more than 1 billion last year, but natural disasters in Haiti and Pakistan and a drought in Sahel have pushed millions into hunger this year. "We are continually reminded that the world's food systems are not working in ways that ensure food security for the most vulnerable members of our societies." Ban said in his message to mark World Food Day, which is observed on October 16. "When people are hungry, they cannot break the crippling chains of poverty, and are vulnerable to infectious diseases," he said. "When children are hungry, they cannot grow, learn and develop." The U.N. chief called for a comprehensive approach "focusing on more stable supplies of food, better access to food and optimizing nutrition at the household level." "I urge everyone to work towards such a comprehensive approach, and to do so in partnership, so that we can build on the progress we have made in reducing the numbers of hungry people," Ban said. --MORE 13:50 LOCAL TIME 10:50 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/826804