This was the central message of an international symposium hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), and the Government of France, during Goût de France held in Paris.
"We have to educate and inspire people to adopt healthy diets," said Jose Graziano da Silva, FAO Director-General. "Gastronomy is more and more an area of great interest, and chefs are among the actors who can shape public opinion and influence consumers."
During the event, both UNESCO and FAO leaders introduced a publication, "Chefs as agents of change", on the joint work of both organisations in highlighting the role of chefs as advocates for healthy and culturally diversified diets.
A growing number of chefs are promoting food linked to territory and local culture, and the consumption of local, fresh food. Chefs have also become increasingly involved in the global movement to reduce food waste, championing food waste reduction efforts in their own restaurants, as well as empowering local communities to fight food waste.
Unhealthy diets are the most significant cause of the global pandemic of obesity. More than 2 billion people are estimated to be overweight, including about 670 million people who are obese. The number of obese people in the world may soon eclipse the number of undernourished people, which is currently estimated at 821 million.
"With obesity on the rise, our food systems must change from feeding people to nourishing them with healthy and nutritious food. All of these are important for the transformation we need in our food systems," said Graziano da Silva.
Didier Guillaume, the French Minister of Agriculture and Food, emphasised the importance of national food policies based on a positive approach to nutrition, and that take into account the educational, social and cultural dimensions of food.
Representatives from research, civil society, agriculture and gastronomy also took part, discussing the links between gastronomy and education and how they can be used to fight obesity and food waste.
FAO and UNESCO are working together towards recognising the importance of culture and heritage in achieving healthy diets and sustainable agriculture.
Governments assisted by FAO, UNESCO and other partners are working to preserve the common heritage associated with food systems through initiatives such as the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) and the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). These initiatives seek to preserve agricultural and culinary traditions that contribute to sustainable and healthy diets, such as the Washoku culinary tradition of Japan, the Mediterranean diet, and traditional Mexican cuisine.
