Conscious Food Systems Alliance

“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?

?? “Nature is guiding us, and the question is whether we want to paddle into that wave in the right way, or how we want to be in position with those cycles and rhythms.” Jack Algiere is the Director of Agroecology at Stone Barns Center, a seasoned farmer, and mentor, leading regenerative farming initiatives, innovative tool design, and conservation efforts to support small- and mid-size farmers.? During our interview for "The Inner Dimensions of Agroecology - Listening to the Voice of Farmers", Jack shared his insights on the vital role of the inner dimension in #agroecology. ?? Watch the highlights of our conversation and celebrate the deep connection between farming and Nature.? ?? Want to hear more from farmers themselves? Watch the full 5-minute interview: https://lnkd.in/e73-MzU5 ???? Learn more about CoFSA’s commitment to farmers' well-being and psychological resilience here: https://lnkd.in/epyA9PdS?? #CoFSAfarmer #farmervoice?

CoFSA’s impact during 2023 - 2024 ?? We are happy to present our impact report where we take stock and celebrate the journey of CoFSA with your support along the way. We have: ? Formed a global Community of Practice, connecting 370+ members and over 3,000 supporters ? Connected members through in-person experiences ? Identified key entry points for this agenda, with 3 of them explored through collective inquiries ? Developed a Conscious Food Incubator and tested 4 Conscious Food Interventions ? Empowered more than 100 members through our Conscious Food Systems Leadership Programme ? Created a robust infrastructure for active member engagement ? Positioned a new field of work and narrative for food systems transformation Thank you for your support and let’s keep growing together! ?? You can read our Impact Report here: https://lnkd.in/eDgRwKnU #CoFSAimpact

Global food systems are facing unprecedented challenges. How can we design policies and solutions to drive the transformative change we urgently need? To address the issue, UNDP has launched the Conscious Food Systems Alliance (CoFSA)—a collective of food, agriculture, and consciousness practitioners united by a shared mission: to empower individuals across food and agriculture systems to cultivate the inner capacities that drive systemic change and regeneration. CoFSA’s approach to food systems transformation spans individual, collective, and institutional levels. It focuses on building community, fostering collective inquiry, and empowering conscious leadership to shift mindsets, values, and behaviours. The current food system is deeply rooted in a cultural narrative of separation, but CoFSA seeks to reconnect and regenerate. ???Watch our video to learn more about how CoFSA is unlocking transformation in food systems:?https://lnkd.in/dsXaQ38x