Conscious Food Systems Alliance

?? How can we honour and reconnect with the land? The way we grow, share, and consume food is deeply connected to our relationship with nature. But to truly transform food systems, we must look beyond policies and economics—we need a shift in mindsets and values. "We know our connection to land, nature, and food is critical, yet expressing this and integrating it into our work remains a challenge. Creating spaces for these conversations is essential to shaping the future of food systems", stated Andrew Bovarnick, UNDP Food Systems Global Head. That’s why?UNDP’s Conscious Food Systems Alliance (CoFSA)?was created—to bring together members worldwide to lead the way towards?regenerative, agroecological, and nature-connected food systems. Dive into CoFSA’s sessions at the 2025 Oxford Real Farming Conference (#ORFC) in our latest blog:?https://lnkd.in/d_D3CZ95 #FoodSystems #ConsciousFoodSystems

Join me on Friday this week, when I'll host a very special panel of leading innovators in the field of mindfulness and climate discussing their insights and groundbreaking interventions! Hear from Prof Jon Kabat-Zinn, Prof Christine Wamsler, Margaret Fletcher, Liane Stephan and Bruce Barrett, who have all been doing deep R&D over many years to advance this field to meet the huge need for inner-led multisystemic transformation. Info & registration for this free online event: https://lnkd.in/e3mvGHFk Friday, March 7, 2025 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM US Eastern / 8:00 to 10:00 AM US Pacific / 5:00 to 7:00 PM CET

?? A Transformative Journey Concludes As The Universe in a Bowl of Rice workshop ends, we would like to share some reflections on the connections and discussions shared around #consciousfoodsystems transformation in Asia. Over the past few days, the role of #consciousness and #innercapacities in food systems transformation was explored, with a particular focus on #youth. We had the chance to connect with on-the-ground initiatives, envisioned different futures and worked on building community to keep driving change in #foodsystems. In doing so, we continued lay the ground for long-term partnerships with CoFSA and regional partners. Highlights:? ? The need of developing a feeling of relationship/family between farmers and consumers? ? Preserving and be proud of local cultures? ? The role of spirituality to bring hope and drive change? ? The role on relationality. Nature and Food, as part of it, should be considered friends.? ? As we move forward, let’s carry these insights with us, remembering impactful change often begins within and on the service of our collective being. Together, we can shape a future rooted in hope, compassion, and interconnectedness.? #CoFSAasia

“You know, people only think food is for consuming.? I think food is our friend. Think of them. Honor them.? They’re for our life to be better.? We make good relationship with food.? Because we are all related.”? —Sulak Sivaraksa

Today, Thomas Legrand, Lead Technical Advisor of CoFSA, took the stage to speak about the Conscious Food Systems Alliance and joined a dynamic panel with experts from Asia on #bioregional weaving and #foodsystems transformation ?? This talk was set on the context of EcoPeace, for the wellbeing of Nature and future generations. How can bioregional weaving help us reconnect with the land, traditions, and each other? We'd love to hear your reflections ? Thai Health Promotion Foundation Chulalongkorn University Wallapa van Willenswaard

??? Reflections on Conscious Facilitation for Food Systems Transformation ??? A huge thank you to everyone who joined our session on Conscious Facilitation for Food Systems Transformation! The conversation was incredibly rich, with our speakers sharing deep wisdom on holding space with grace—navigating #conflicts, tensions, and #powerdynamics while ensuring a space that is #safe, brave, spacious, and #transformative. Together, we explored: ? The inner capacities needed to hold space effectively ? The influence of physical space in shaping conversations ? Navigating power dynamics in diverse settings ? The role of art and creativity—how movement, storytelling, and visual expression deepen engagement ? Cultural sensitivity—honoring diverse perspectives in dialogue ? The unseen work behind effective facilitation ?? Missed the session or want to revisit it? The recording is now available on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/daMGfhns ?? What’s Next? The energy and engagement in the chat were incredible, and we want to keep the momentum going! We’re harvesting key insights into a three-page concept note with essential tips on conscious facilitation. ??SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER to stay connected and also receive key resources shared by our Speakers—we’ll share it soon: https://lnkd.in/eDn_8xgV Thanks to Dr. Maria Soledad Riestra (She/Her) Jessica Bockler, PhD Nana Woo Alef Trust SEKEM Group UNDP Food Systems Charlotte Dufour Noemi Altobelli #ConsciousFacilitation #FoodSystems #Collaboration #Storytelling #SystemsChange #Facilitation #Leadership

CoFSA in Thailand Begins! ?? We are thrilled to announce the kick-off of our transformative journey at "The Universe in a Bowl of Rice: Conscious Food Systems Transformation in Asia"! Join us as we embark on a meaningful exploration of how consciousness, values, and interconnection can revolutionize food systems across Asia. This gathering brings together a diverse group of food systems convenors, practitioners, and stakeholders united in the shared mission of nourishing people and regenerating our planet. Event Highlights:? ? Engaging discussions on food systems initiatives.? ? Insights from global experts, including Thomas Legrand, on creating ecosystems of support for transformational change.? ? Collaborative dialogues leveraging local wisdom and practices to shape sustainable solutions. Let us build the inner foundations of sustainable food systems together!? Stay tuned for more updates and join the conversation. #CoFSAasia?

Join us tomorrow for an interactive session designed for facilitators, policymakers, researchers, and changemakers! We’re honored to have 3 experienced facilitators leading the conversation: ?? Dr. Maria Soledad Riestra (She/Her) from UNDP FACS ?? Jessica Bockler, PhD from Alef Trust ?? Nana Woo from SEKEM Expect rich storytelling, dynamic discussions, and interactive exercises to deepen your understanding and equip you with valuable facilitation skills.

We are thrilled to be co-hosting with the Food Spirit?Project our first Asian event! Join us for a CoFSA Food Spirit Workshop in Bangkok, Thailand, for an enriching experience to inspire change, grow community, and form connections?for CoFSA regional development in Asia. This workshop will feature?our Lead Technical Advisor, Thomas Legrand, and will count with the participation of food systems leaders from different countries in the region. ?? 27 February - 3 March 2025 ?? Sayam Mitr Tower and Social Innovation Hub, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok ?? The workshop on Sunday 2 March will be life-streamed. ???Programme and Registration Form: https://lnkd.in/dSK3Ezn2 In collaboration with: Thai Health Promotion Foundation , Chulalongkorn University Social Research Institute (CUSRI),??Food Spirit, and Soul Connect Fest. #CoFSAasia??

?? #Opportunity alert! We are hiring a new communications intern to join our UNDP-convened Conscious Food Systems Alliance. This is a 6-month remote internship position, home-based. The full details of the position, and the link to apply, can be found here:?https://lnkd.in/eHd8g6q9 ?? The deadline for application is 10th March 2025 (New York USA timezone). #internship #CoFSA #UNDP?