On May 22, 2025, ICLEI Europe will host another Breakfast@Sustainability’s (B@S) event at the Representation of the European Region Tyrol - South Tyrol - Trentino office in Brussels.

This edition of ICLEI’s well-established signature event, titled "Bridging the Gap: Urban-Rural Linkages, Resilience, and Food Security in Europe," will bring together policymakers, food system experts, and practitioners to explore food security and the role of cities in ensuring sustainable and resilient food systems. Discussions will revolve around food security narratives,sustainable procurement strategies, food advertising and the overall impact of food environments, and, finally, the key role of local food networks such as Food Policy Councils.

A highlight of the event will be the launch of ICLEI’s Position Paper on Urban Food Security and Resilience in Europe, with actionable recommendations for municipalities, promoting the shift from a food production-focused to a food distribution-centered narrative.

The day (9:00-13:30) will begin with coffee and croissants, followed by opening remarks. Keynote speeches from high-level speakers representing policymaking, research, and implementation will set the stage for the discussions, highlighting key needs and directions to strengthen the food security and resilience of urban food systems. Following the launch of ICLEI’s Position Paper, a panel discussion with time for questions and comments from the audience will offer an opportunity for exchange and deeper insights. The event will conclude with a networking lunch.

This B@S event aims to foster collaboration and shape policies for secure, sustainable food systems in Europe.

Agenda:

09:00 – 09:30 Welcome coffee & croissants

09:30 – 09:45 Welcome remarks:

• Peter Defranceschi, ICLEI Europe Brussels Office & Head of ICLEI Global CityFood Programme
• Vesna Caminades, Representative of the Autonomous Province of Bozen/Bolzano-South Tyrol Brussels Liaison Office

09:45 – 10:15 Keynote speeches

• MEP Herbert Dorfmann - EPP Agrifood Spokesperson
• Emile Frison - IPES-Food Panel Founder, Agroecology Coalition Senior Advisor
• Karan Courtney Haag - Regional Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF
• Anant Jani - Senior Researcher, University of Heidelberg & Oxford University

10:15 – 10:30 Q&A session

10:30 – 10:45 Launch of ICLEI’s Position Paper on Food Security

10:45 – 11:30 Panel discussion: Urban-Rural Food Security

• The Power of Food Environments - Jonathan Peuch, FIAN Belgium
• The Power of Procurement - Simone Lechat, Manger Demain
• The Power of Food Policy Councils - Marian O'Reilly, Cork Healthy Communities Coordinator

11:30 – 12:15 Roundtable discussion with the audience: Local Action for Resilient Food Systems

12:15 – 12:30 Closing reflections

12:30 – 13:30 Sustainable and delicious networking lunch

Registration is required. Register here.