How can inclusivity in food system transformation create resilience?

The 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities & Towns (ESCT) is set to take place from October 1-3 2024, in Aalborg, Denmark. This year's edition of the Conference is particularly significant for local and regional governments, as it celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Aalborg Charter (1994) and the 20th Anniversary of the Aalborg Commitments (2004). Against the backdrop of these milestones, the Conference will address the urgent needs posed by the ongoing climate emergency, setting the stage for an ambitious agenda aimed at achieving the highest standards of sustainable urban development.

For food experts and those driving the food transition at local level, the workshop jointly organised by FoodCLIC and FoodPathS on the question "How can inclusivity in food system transformation create resilience?" will be a clear highlight of the Conference. This engaging session will explore the critical role that inclusivity plays in transforming food systems to enhance urban resilience. The workshop is designed to offer participants an immersive experience, modelled after a vibrant marketplace where ideas, perspectives, and solutions are traded.

A market of ideas and actions

Workshop participants will navigate through a series of thematic market stalls, each providing a perspective on inclusive food system transformation. This setup is intended to simulate the diverse and dynamic environment of a real market, where a variety of stakeholders come together, exchange ideas, and collaboratively shape the future. The workshop will feature thematic stalls that cover a range of topics crucial to both local and global food system transformation. Here is a small taste of the topics explored in the stalls:

Local and global: thinking inclusivity across all levels

• Examining how higher-level food system frameworks can better address and integrate local requirements and realities.
• Discussing the various dimensions of inclusivity across different scales, from local to global.
• Investigating methods to create equitable supply chains that support fair market access for all stakeholders.

Local action for global goals

• Exploring the intersection of culture and food to develop fair and inclusive food settings within communities.
• Analysing how inclusivity can be practically implemented in city-regional food system initiatives.
• Looking at how the relationship between food systems and climate action can be leveraged to promote inclusivity.

Outcomes and impact

The aim of the workshop is to learn from and inspire each other through guided dialogue and knowledge sharing. Our goal is to generate concrete actions and foster collective ownership of food system transformation. Participants will vote on the most impactful actions, and key recommendations for policy changes will be developed to help cities improve their food environments. The session will culminate in the creation of a document mapping initiatives, tools, and a common vision for inclusivity in food system transitions.

The innovative World Café format of the workshop, combined with the marketplace discussions, will ensure an interactive and collaborative environment. Food system experts from the Cologne Food Policy Council along with city representatives from municipalities such as Mannheim, Aarhus, Reggio-Emilia, and the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, as well as the Alto-Minho region will be present to provide insights and drive discussions.

All cities, partners, and experts dedicated to the sustainable transformation of urban areas are invited to attend the 2024 ESCT in Aalborg. This conference promises to be a pivotal event, offering a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and advancing the sustainable and inclusive transformation of our cities and regions. Be part of the conversation and contribute to shaping resilient food systems that benefit all members of our communities.

Register here!