For each cycle of our Global Student Conferences, we set out to select the pressing issue most deserving of the keen attention and analysis our students never fail to demonstrate. For the 2023 conference series, we agreed that the Future of Food was number one. A vital topic that impacts all of us, we believe it will serve as a powerful springboard for students to analyze, discuss, and devise action plans for the future.
As we look forward to bringing students from around the world together in Singapore, Edinburgh, and Boston this summer, we wanted to highlight a few critical reasons why this theme will be their collective focus point.
Food and agriculture are crucial to achieving the entire set of UN Sustainable Development Goals.
As always, our Conferences are closely aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. By working collaboratively, students who attend our Global Student Conferences will initiate, plan and partake in inspiring Service Challenges with charity partners and NGOs.
The Future of Food: Global Issues, Local Solutions theme is closely tied to many other meaningful SDG-related initiatives students may already be working on or planning to get involved with. Developing and integrating a fresh approach to how we produce food has a significant role to play in combating climate change, ending poverty and hunger, and bringing about sustainable development.
Food production plays a dominant role in climate change.
We need sustainable agriculture to be part of the solution when it comes to protecting our planet for future generations. Without action, the changes in our climate will seriously compromise food production in countries and regions already highly food insecure. We must start implementing large-scale comprehensive strategies to protect our environment and the diverse food systems it supports.
It is critical that we figure out how to increase food production using less water.
Water scarcity and inadequate sanitation have a tremendous impact on food security and nutrition for low-income families worldwide. According to the FAO, crops and livestock already account for 70 percent of all water withdrawals and up to 95 percent in some developing countries. Moreover, water withdrawal for irrigation and livestock will increase as global population growth and economic development drive up food demand. Therefore, we must encourage all global citizens to make mindful dietary choices and invest in water-conscious food production.
Global food and agriculture industries are responsible for over 25% of the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The global food and agriculture industries are responsible for over 25% of the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions, continuing to contribute to the inequitable and unsustainable impacts of food distribution. Global food production and consumption are at a critical tipping point, and it is fundamental that young people understand the extent of the challenges that lie ahead.
The UN expects the world population to rise by two billion over the next 30 years.
With this sizable increase in population, we will need to increase the amount of food produced significantly. Inevitably, this heightened demand will boost the agricultural land required for food and the greenhouse gas emissions from food production. As such, we must now find sustainable solutions to address the negative impacts of increased production and ensure that future generations have access to stable food supplies.
According to the World Resources Institute, almost a quarter of food produced for human consumption goes uneaten.
Another concern we plan to highlight at our upcoming Global Student Conferences is the fight against food waste. The causes of food waste and loss differ from continent to continent, with more than half occurring in North America and Europe.
This discrepancy highlights the imbalance in food efficiency between developed and developing countries. We will encourage students to think about ways developed countries can change consumer behavior while looking at how developing nations can improve infrastructure and processes in the early stages of the supply chain.
Our Global Student Conferences are the perfect environment in which to bring diverse voices together to find solutions
Many of the facts and figures surrounding our current food production and availability systems are alarming. Yet, there is so much we can do to improve the situation and set ourselves on course for a brighter future. Discussions and workshops at the Global Student Conferences will cross a diverse range of sectors to develop a greater understanding of ways to minimize negative impacts and maximize positive contributions within the food sector.
Our conferences are intended to inspire students to put words into action by discussing solutions and innovations that can help us positively impact the future of our food. Keynote speakers will deliver morning lectures, followed by staff-led breakout workshops that empower students to seek and implement solutions to the issues discussed. The Future of Food: Global Issues, Local Solutions will act as a vital catalyst for initiating changes at home that can have far-reaching benefits the world over.
Details of our 2023 Global Student Conferences
3 – 8 July, 2023
Enrollment closes: May 1st, 2023
July 17 – 22, 2023
Enrollment closes: May 1st, 2023
31 July – 5 August 2023
Enrollment closes: May 1st, 2023
The itinerary for each conference is all-inclusive of local transport, airport transfers, accommodation, all meals, CAS activities, and CAS Trips staff. Trained and qualified professionals lead all activities, while our dedicated CAS Trips team will be on hand to assist every step of the way, 24 hours a day – from the arrivals gate to the departure lounge.
