Catalysing Systems Shifts in Global Food Systems from Dublin, Ireland

In late February 2024, our Strategic Director David Nabarro and colleagues visited Dublin, Ireland, participating in a number of meetings with leaders in food systems, including at Irish Aid and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine. These discussions were particularly insightful as Ireland has long been at the front and centre of the global movement on food systems and nutrition. Domestically as well, Food Vision 2030, is Ireland’s 10-year strategy for the agri-food sector which takes an ambitious food systems approach.

A feature of the visit was a public lecture at the Institute for International and European Affairs where David reflected on his current experiences with catalysing shifts in systems at a time of accelerating climate change, deepening inequalities, intense geopolitical tensions and social fragility. He set out why he remains inspired and optimistic by ongoing efforts to achieve equity, sustainability and resilience through people-centered systems transformation.

David shared his hopes for coming years, focused on local and national priorities with regard to climate action and sustainable development, and what these might mean for multilateral processes, for national governments, and for different groups of stakeholders. He noted that Ireland is already playing a leading role and could perhaps do even more – through sharing experiences more widely, as a trusted partner on the multilateral stage.

During the visit, he also found time to sit down for an interview with Claire Byrne, on RTÉ Radio 1 (listen here) with whom he had many interactions with throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They delved into a discussion about food systems, reflected on the COVID-19 pandemic response as well as more personal aspects about David’s life and achievements alongside the current events of the day.

The team returned to Geneva stimulated by the conversations, but more importantly by the people they met and their dedication to domestic and international food systems transformation. The team were also particularly encouraged by the broad appreciation of dialogue-based approaches when responding to complex systemic challenges such as food systems transformation.

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Watch the public lecture: