The Global Panel discusses its new Report at this year’s World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue International Symposium

On the 30th Anniversary of Dr. Norman E. Borlaug establishing the World Food Prize, the Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition hosted an event at the 2016 World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue International Symposium, to discuss its new report, Food Systems and Diets: Facing the Challenges of the 21st Century.

At the event Global Panel member Ms Emmy Simmons was joined by 2016 World Food Prize Winner Dr Howarth Bouis (Director of HarvestPlus), and Dr Bonnie McClafferty (Director, Agriculture and Nutrition at GAIN), with Ambassador Kenneth Quinn (President of the World Food Prize Foundation) providing an opening address. Dr Lawrence Haddad (Chair of the Lead Expert Group for the Report) then shared key messages from the Report and emphasise the case for taking action now. This eminent group answered questions and engage with members of the audience in an open Q&A discussion on the challenges and opportunities for improving food systems and diets.

The Panel’s new evidence-based Report uses modelling and trend analysis to generate a new understanding of diets and food systems, and how they could change by 2030. It shows how, globally, poor diets now pose a greater risk to health than unsafe sex, alcohol, drug and tobacco use combined. It also provides a guide for governments and decision-makers to change course through action and investment to create food systems that promote health and deliver quality diets.

The event was held on Wednesday, 12 October 2016, 8:00 – 10:30 am at the Marriott Downtown Hotel, 700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines Iowa. In the Cedar Rapids Room, 3rd Floor.

Snaphots from the event:

Borlaug Dialogue International Symposium

The Symposium will convene an impressive array of international leaders, policy makers, farmers, executives from agribusiness and non-governmental organizations, and scientific, academic and development experts to address the most critical issues facing global food security.

It’s title, “Let Food Be Thy Medicine,” a quote attributed to Hippocrates approximately 2,400 years ago, captures the achievement of the 2016 World Food Prize laureates. Biofortification, breeding critical vitamins and micronutrients into staple crops, has dramatically reduced “hidden hunger” for millions. The Global Panel is honoured to have 2016 World Food Prize laureate and Director of HarvestPlus, Dr Howarth ‘Howdy’ Bouis, join its side event.

The Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition is pleased to invite you to a discussion of its new Foresight report: Food Systems and Diets: Facing the Challenges of the 21st Century at the 2016 Borlaug Dialogue International Symposium.