Food Tank, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, recently hosted the first in a series of seven panel discussions with the Champions Network for the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit. Each event’s theme is inspired by one of the Global Alliance for the Future of Food’s Seven Calls to Action towards transforming the world’s food systems.

The discussion, moderated by Food Tank President Danielle Nierenberg and Ruth Richardson, Chair of the Champions Network and Executive Director of the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, focused on Addressing Power Imbalances Through Shared Power and Inclusivity. Food Systems Champions on this panel included: Mamadou Goita from the Institute for Research and Promotion of Alternatives in Development (IRPAD), Ajay Vir Jakhar from Bharat Krishak Samaj (Farmers’ Forum India), Michelle Nunn from CARE USA, and Jessica Vega Ortega from the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus. The conversation also featured special guest Christine Ciccone from IFAD.

Their conversation addressed transformational changes needed within the food system in order to challenge deeply rooted power structures. This discussion, along with others in the series, will help set the stage for the upcoming 2021 UN Food Systems Summit.

Vega Ortega spoke about the essential role of Indigenous peoples in the processes of food systems transformation. She outlined several challenges faced by these groups, such as internet access, language barriers, and meaningful opportunities to participate in food and agriculture initiatives spearheaded by national and international agencies. “It’s necessary to continue raising Indigenous voices, and also to value traditional food systems,” Vega Ortega tells Food Tank, “because I am sure traditional food systems are the way to have healthier systems in place for the next pandemic.”

Read the full article about power imbalances in food and agriculture by Madeleine Sheinfeld at Food Tank.