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UNSW celebrated the recent by proudly hosting an online forum to foster innovative ideas for advancing global food systems.

The event brought together over 300 attendees from 24 different countries and was aligned with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s slogan ‘Leave no one behind’.

The forum featured presentations from four distinguished experts, each addressing critical aspects of food systems:

• Florence Egal: An international expert in sustainable diets and food systems transformation, Florence discussed the pressing issues surrounding the right to food and the impact of ultra-processed foods. Her extensive experience with the UN and various international organizations provided valuable insights into creating more equitable food systems.
• Emmanuel Skoufias: Representing the National University of Singapore, Emmanuel highlighted the role of conditional and social cash transfer programs in improving food security. His research focuses on the economic aspects of food policy and social protection, offering practical solutions to enhance food access for vulnerable populations.
• Kalana Peiris: From the United Nations World Food Programme in Sri Lanka, Kalana shared insights on the successful implementation of the school meal program in Sri Lanka. His work emphasizes the importance of nutrition in educational settings and the positive impacts of school feeding programs on children’s health and academic performance.
• Sakile Kudita: Affiliated with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), HarvestPlus, and Wageningen University & Research, Sakile explored the breeding of biofortified staples across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Her expertise in agricultural innovation and biofortification aims to address micronutrient deficiencies and improve the nutritional quality of staple crops.

The event concluded with a collaborative discussion on how UNSW can contribute to these global challenges, emphasizing the university’s commitment to making a meaningful impact. The forum was hailed as a resounding success, providing a platform for diverse perspectives and actionable ideas.

Hosted by Professor Jayashree Arcot and Professor Johannes le Coutre, the forum underscored the importance of global collaboration in addressing food system challenges and highlighted UNSW’s role in driving innovation and change. Attendees were encouraged to engage in the conversation and explore the full forum recording available here.

This event showcased UNSW’s dedication to fostering global dialogue and developing solutions for more sustainable and equitable food systems.