Food loss and waste pose significant challenges to our global and European food systems. To address these pressing issues, a high-level event is scheduled in Valencia, Spain, on October 3, 2023. This event aims to bring together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss and formulate strategies for reducing food loss and waste. The program for the event is structured around morning plenary sessions and afternoon sectorial discussions, allowing for comprehensive engagement on this critical topic.
The morning sessions will set the stage for the day, featuring prominent speakers and experts in the field. The three plenary sessions were as follows:
- The Global and European Landscape:
- Moderator: Laura Fernández
This session provided a comprehensive overview of the global and European food landscape. Distinguished speakers will share insights, data, and trends related to food loss and waste reduction. Notable speakers include Raschad Al-Khafaji, the Director of FAO Brussels, and Anne-Laure Gassin, Team Leader at the Health and Food Safety Directorate General of the European Commission.
- Food Loss and Food Waste in National Policies:
- Moderator: Laura Fernández
National policies play a crucial role in addressing food loss and waste. In this session, professionals like Minna Huttunen, advisor on sustainable food systems at the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture, and Maïwenn L’Hoir, project officer for the fight against food insecurity and waste at the French Ministry of Agriculture, discussed their countries’ policies and initiatives. Zeynep Özkan, project coordinator for the national campaign to reduce food losses and waste in Turkey in collaboration with FAO, also shared valuable insights.
- City Networks and Their Key Role in Tackling Food Loss and Waste:
- Moderator: Vicente Domingo
Cities have a vital role to play in reducing food loss and waste. This session focused on the collaborative efforts of various city networks. The panel will include representatives from Eurocities, UCLG, ICLEI, the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact, the Red de Municipios por la Agroecología, and the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces. These organizations are at the forefront of urban initiatives combating food loss and waste.
In the afternoon, the event shifted to smaller, interactive sectorial sessions where participants engaged in detailed discussions and share their experiences. These sessions were moderated and featured relators to highlight key takeaways. Notably, language flexibility was emphasized, allowing participants to choose their preferred language.
The high-level event in Valencia on October 3, 2023, provided a unique platform for stakeholders from different sectors to come together and address the critical issue of food loss and waste. With experts sharing insights on global, national, and city-level strategies, as well as open discussions and knowledge sharing, this event promises to drive positive change in the fight against food loss and waste. By fostering international collaboration and promoting sustainable practices, we can collectively work towards a more food-secure and environmentally friendly future.