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Millions of people across the globe suffer from hunger today. With the rising prices of food, obscene levels of poverty, and political repression in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that brought out the worst of inequality and authoritarianism in many societies, it is clear that the world is facing a food crisis of massive proportions. Many civil society organizations and social movements seek a holistic view of food systems, considering the numerous global crises and, specifically, the dysfunctional global food systems. However, this was not expected at the upcoming United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) in September 2021. From the beginning of the planning processes, there were several reasons for widespread civil society criticism worldwide. Among these, the lack of orientation towards the right to food and the rights-based approach. A particular point of criticism was the lack of democratic participation.
Progressive groups and social movements portend an increased corporate capture of the food systems through the UNFSS. What kind of progress the UNFSS is referring to, whose interests does it serve, and what does this mean to marginalized sectors and communities? Whose voices will truly be heard in the summit?
This series of online events made sure that alternative voices weregiven space and, in the process, exposed the capitalist maneuverings around food systems. Among the questions discussed in the series were: What are the causes of the disruption of food systems? How will digitalization and corporate control of agriculture impact small-scale food producers, alternative concepts such as agro ecology, traditional communities? Can initiatives such as the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) help to tackle the current challenges or are green technology approaches rather part of the problem? Most importantly we also sought to talk about struggles around as well as establish ways how we can confront the food crisis together through global solidarity and strong political work.
Each online event was held in English and simultaneous translation to other languages (Spanish, Portuguese, French or German) was provided depending on the event.
The four online events were organized by the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung in cooperation with different partners.
Our Food, Our Story: Reclaiming the Food Systems Narrative
A 4-part event series hosted by the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung and partners