The Future Food Institute and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations’ e-learning Academy has begun a 24-hour virtual marathon of hope to mark Earth Day 2020. The theme of the digital event is Food for Earth, planting the seeds for good after Covid-19.
Sweeping across the world from East to West, the event will bring together more than 100 voices from international youth, farmers and thought leaders, to chefs, scientists, teachers and titans of the food industry in a collective voice speaking to the importance of sustainable food systems for the regeneration of the planet. It will be the largest ever lesson on the regenerative power of food systems ever broadcast.
The Food for Earth Day 2020 virtual marathon will begin in China with a relay of positivity and goodness. It will pass from indigenous people who reflect the identity of entire territories to entrepreneurs, startups, scientists, journalists, young leaders, policymakers, consultants and farmers. The torch will pass from China to Japan, to India and then the Middle East before journeying to Europe, Africa, Latin America, North America and even the North and South Poles, to connect with scientists at the Concordia Station in Antarctica.
Sara Roversi, Founder of the Future Food Institute said, “While we are all in lockdown and staying at home to stay safe, our digital marathon is a way to bring the world into our homes. We are in the middle of a global crisis. We are being forced to rethink business as usual. Business as usual is part of the problem and the time is now to look at how dysfunctional our current food systems are and the damage they have done, as well as reconnect with the potential for a brighter future.
“We have seen in the last few weeks just how essential food and agriculture are. These are the sectors that need to be reshaped for the better by identifying the seeds of goodness and making them the new normal after Covid-19. More than ever, international task forces are needed. Abuse and over use of the planet’s systems and resources is no longer possible and new, circular and regenerative practices are needed.”
The virtual marathon aims to involve 20% of the world’s population with its initiative.
Dongxin Feng, Head of the FAO Capacity Development and Academia Unit said, “We are extremely happy to jointly organise this global 24h marathon, the largest initiative on feeding the planet ever broadcast, to fully support the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development. This initiative will create an open and inclusive space where multi-stakeholders can share local challenges, best practices and experiences for sustainability to support green development of the Earth, on the occasion of the Earth Day 2020.”
Cristina Petracchi, Leader of the FAO e-learning Academy said, “Sustainability is humanity’s greatest goal and the only way forward.
For this great purpose we need competent professionals, able and capable to take the appropriate decisions, formulate targeted and sustainable policies and strategies and adopt innovative “green” methodologies and technologies. In other words, we can only reach sustainability through the development of capacities, and transfer of skills and competencies.”
To find out more, visit: futurefood.academy/earthday
