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Introduction

On the 18th of May, the LIDC had the immense honour of hosting a large-scale event that brought together some of the most influential and reputable speakers in the field of food systems transformation. The event, titled “Envisioning Food Systems Transformation,” aimed to create a platform for an open dialogue on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the journey toward more sustainable and equitable food systems.

The event was organized in partnership with the London International Development Centre (LIDC) and Nature Food and featured an impressive line-up of speakers from diverse backgrounds, including policymakers, academia, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. The day was filled with thought-provoking discussions, engaging panel sessions, and interactive workshops that reflected the urgency and importance of the topic at hand.

Opening Remarks

The event was kicked off with opening remarks by our director, Claire Heffernan, and co-organised from Nature Food, Annisa Chand, who emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in how we approach food systems, from production to consumption. They highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors and the need for innovative solutions that take into account the complex nature of the challenges we face.

Keynote Speakers

We were privileged to have several distinguished keynote speakers who shared their insights and experiences in the field of food systems transformation. Some of the highlights included:

• Dr. David Nabarro, Special Envoy on Covid-19 for the World Health Organization, who spoke passionately about the necessity of taking an interdisciplinary approach to address the issues facing our food systems.
• Professor Tim Benton, a leading expert in food policy and Research Director, of the Environment and Society Programme at Chatham House, who delved into the intricacies of the global food system and the role of national and international policies in shaping its future.
• Dr. Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, who urged the audience to recognize the impact of climate change, and this is directly making malnutrition across the world. He identified that this is the biggest issue facing humanity today. 

Panel Sessions and Workshops

The panel discussion led by Annisa and Claire were designed to provide an interactive and engaging platform for attendees to dive deeper into specific topics related to food systems transformation. Some of the themes covered included:

• Climate change and its impact on food systems: The panellists discussed the interplay between climate change, agriculture, and food security, highlighting the need for urgent action to build resilient and adaptive food systems.
• Nutrition and public health: Experts explored the links between diet, nutrition, and public health, emphasizing the importance of promoting healthy and sustainable food choices.
• Technological innovations for sustainable food systems: Participants discussed the potential of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and precision agriculture, in driving food systems transformation.
• Empowering smallholders and marginalized communities: The panellists shared their experiences in working with smallholder farmers and marginalized communities, highlighting the importance of inclusive policies and practices in achieving sustainable food systems.

Closing Remarks

The day concluded with a call to action by Claire Heffernan, urging participants to take the valuable insights gained during the event and use them as a catalyst for change in their respective fields. The Envisioning Food Systems Transformation event marked a significant step forward in the collective effort toward a sustainable and equitable future for all. We would like to express our gratitude to all the speakers, participants, and partners who made this event a resounding success.

For more information on the event and access to the recorded sessions, please visit this webpage.

Photos: Natalia Marten Rodriguez and Gunn Benjaminsen