Events

Co-organized by IFPRI and The Rockefeller Foundation

Hybrid | Presentation: 9:00–10:30 am EST | Brunch Reception: 10:30–11:30 am EST

Since the mid-2010s, progress in reducing food insecurity and improving diet quality has stalled. Multiple shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, have exacerbated the situation and put Sustainable Development Goal 2 on Zero Hunger further out of reach.

There have been many calls for action to address the food and diets crisis facing vulnerable people around the world. The private sector has been called on to invest in transforming food systems—at an annual rate of $320 billion—while the development banks have been asked to align financial incentives with food system-related goals. While some of these actors have stepped up, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) opening of a food shock window to channel funds to countries beset by crisis, ultimately, progress depends on governments. National governments are responsible, and can be held accountable, for ensuring food security; healthy, diverse diets; and stable, dignified livelihoods, for their populations.

This hybrid seminar will shed light on commitments already made, share research results on the potential of current commitments to achieve a focused set of food and nutrition security goals, and foster continued dialogue with global advocacy partners. A brunch reception will follow the presentations. Our Policy and Advocacy Lead, Asma Lateef will team up with Purnima Menon, Catherine Bertini, Johan Swinnen, Shoba Suri and other global advocacy partners from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and The Rockefeller Foundation to discuss initiatives to achieve good food for all.

For more information, and to register, check here.

Global

The International Day of Zero Waste aims to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, support the societal shift towards circularity and raise awareness about how zero-waste initiatives contribute to the advancement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The waste sector contributes significantly to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity and nature loss, and pollution. Humanity generates an estimated 2.24 billion tons of municipal solid waste annually, of which only 55 per cent is managed in controlled facilities. Every year, around 931 million tons of food is lost or wasted and up to 14 million tons of plastic waste enters aquatic ecosystems.

Zero-waste initiatives can foster sound waste management and minimize and prevent waste, helping to address the triple planetary crisis, protect the environment, enhance food security and improve human health and well-being.

Global

World Water Day, held on 22 March every year since 1993, is an annual United Nations Observance focusing on the importance of freshwater.

World Water Day celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis. A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

Every year, UN-Water — the UN’s coordination mechanism on water and sanitation — sets the theme for World Water Day. In 2023, the focus was on Accelerating Change.

In 2024, the theme will be Leveraging Water for Peace.

Global

It’s a day to be happy, of course! Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness as a way to recognise the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world.

Happiness is a fundamental human goal. The United Nations General Assembly recognizes this goal and calls for “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.”

In 2015, the UN launched the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which seek to end poverty, reduce inequality, and protect our planet – three key aspects that lead to well-being and happiness.

The United Nations invites each person of any age, plus every classroom, business and government to join in celebration of the International Day of Happiness.

An essential destination for global professionals, the annual March event features sessions, music and comedy showcases, film and television screenings, world-class exhibitions, professional development and networking opportunities, tech competitions, awards ceremonies, and much more. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together.

This day highlights the urgent need to raise awareness at all levels and to promote and facilitate actions for the conservation of seagrasses in order to contribute to their health and development, bearing in mind that enhancing ecosystem services and functions is important for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Why seagrass matters

Seagrasses are marine flowering plants that are found in shallow waters in many parts of the world, from the tropics to the Arctic circle. They form extensive underwater meadows, creating complex, highly productive and biologically rich habitats.

Covering only 0.1% of the ocean floor, these seagrass meadows provide food and shelter to thousands of species of fish, seahorses, turtles, etc. and sustain some of the world’s largest fisheries. They improve water quality by filtering, cycling and storing nutrients and pollutants, reducing contamination in seafood. Highly efficient carbon sinks, they can store up to 18% of the world’s oceanic carbon, making them a powerful nature-based solutions to tackle climate change impacts. Because they buffer ocean acidification, they contribute to the resilience of the most vulnerable ecosystems and species, such as coral reefs. And to the coastal populations, they act as the first line of defense along coasts by reducing wave energy, protecting people from the increasing risk of floods and storms.

The World Social Justice Day is observed on 20 February to commemorate and urge all efforts to combat unemployment, social exclusion, and poverty. The United Nations General Assembly recognizes that social development and social justice are indispensable for the achievement and maintenance of peace and security within and among nations and that, in turn, social development and social justice cannot be attained in the absence of peace and security, or in the absence of respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The ultimate opportunity for the global F&B industry – from retailers, food suppliers, and distributors to wholesalers, chefs, thought leaders, and beyond – to network with the leading brands, discover the latest products, connect with key industry players, and explore the innovations and trends shaping the future.

Get on board this global day designated by the United Nations General Assembly, to recognise the potential of pulses as being both excellent for people and the planet.

Pulses are:
Nutrient dense
Have a long shelf life
Able to improve diversity of diets
Affordable
Accesible
Capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen into the soil

Do you have a recipe that features pulses you would love for us to share? Email your recipe by February 5th (including method, serving size, and ingredients list) in a Word Document, High Resolution JPeg images x 2, Headshot of yourself and we will look to include it in our celebration of pulses on February 10!

Beans are recognised for being delicious, nutritious, filling, environmentally friendly and low-cost, which is why the ‘Full of Beans’ campaign is coming to Glasgow in 2024!

Glasgow Food Policy Partnership and the Food and Climate Action project by Glasgow Community Food Network have partnered with world renowned experts to bring you the latest knowledge on the multiple health and environmental benefits of growing and eating beans.

During the webinar you will hear from speakers from the SDG2 Advocacy Hub about how the ‘Beans is How’ campaign is helping to double global bean consumption, and from University of Oxford’s Bean Meals research about growing beans locally and incorporating them into school menus in the UK. You will also find out about Glasgow’s own ‘Full of Beans’ campaign and how you can get involved in the coming months.

Bringing the pulse industry together, this annual conference:

• Enhances trade and sales.
• Maximizes connections and networking opportunities.
• Shares insights about the pulses market.

Don’t miss this chance to participate in a four-day convention in New Delhi attended by industry leaders and experts from all over the world. Executive Director Paul Newnham will join the conference sharing valuable insights into why pulses, and the wider legume family, have a critical role to play in the future of our food systems

BeanCon24 is an educational and networking event focused on bean innovation, trends and the future of food. On its third year, this annual global conference will bring together dry bean buyers and stakeholders from all over the world. BeanCon24 boasts engaging keynote speakers, innovative chefs, nutrition specialists and informative panel discussions, as well as opportunities for private business meetings, in-person networking events and more. Our very own Executive Director Paul Newnham is a keynote speaker, together with Chef Alice Zavlasky from Australia, and Chef Ali Honour from Ireland!

BeanCon24 will take place in Cancun Mexico in a hybrid mode where both in-person and virtual attendees from around the world will be able to engage and enjoy the benefits of this event. Registration is now open. Don’t miss attending the most important event on dry beans.