Urban food and the global development agenda

Key players in the urban food development agenda came together as part of the School of Geography and Planning’s Impact and Engagement programme.

Jorge Fonseca from the Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations and Stefania Amato Food, Network Manager for C40 spoke on the opportunities and challenges presented by urban food development.

Speaking about the event Professor Roberta Sonnino said: “I’m delighted that we were able to welcome Stefania and Jorge to Cardiff University to discuss this developing agenda. It’s exciting to think we can help inform the urban food agenda and achieve result in carbon reductions, enhanced climate resilience and greater health equity and sustainability.”

Stefania Amato oversees the Food Systems Network as part of C40's Urban Planning and Development Initiative. C40 is a network of the world’s megacities committed to addressing climate change. C40 supports cities to collaborate effectively, share knowledge and drive meaningful, measurable and sustainable action on climate change. The Food Systems Networksupports city efforts to create and implement comprehensive solutions that reduce carbon emissions and increase resilience throughout the urban food system.

Before joining C40, Stefania worked as policy advisor and project manager at the Mayor’s Office of Milan, where she focused on the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact and overall Food Policy for the city. In particular, Stefania helped design both measures and served as a liaison for local and international stakeholders. Stefania also worked as a World Health Organization consultant for policy alignment and aid coordination in the health sector in Moldova and Tajikistan.

Jorge Fonseca currently serves as an Agro - Industry Officer with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. In this capacity he provides expertise to member States in different areas related to food systems, focusing on systems management beyond farm gate. He currently provides supervision of field projects in Latin America, Middle East and Sub - Saharan Africa. Prior to joining FAO he was an Associate Professor at The University of Arizona, where he led the state’s postharvest and safety research and extension program.

The event was opened by Head of School, Professor Paul Milbourne, speakers were introduced by Professor Roberta Sonnino and Professor Kevin Morgan Chaired the final debate.