Norwegian Seafood Council, EAT team up for UN food summit

The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) and non-profit EAT have entered into a partnership to promote the increased consumption of sustainable seafood ahead of a United Nations summit on future food systems.

Oslo, Norway-based EAT describes itself as a science-based global platform for food system transformation. It was created through funding from the Stordalen Foundation, the STockholm Resilience Center, and the Wellcome Trust.

Identifying that 2021 could be a critical year for the future of global food systems, EAT and NSC said they intend to speak up for seafood as part of the solution to feed a growing world population, while also tackling climate change.

The first ever U.N. summit on food will take place in October 2021, and EAT Founder and Working Chairwoman Gunhild Stordalen has been appointed by U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed to lead efforts to create demand for healthy and sustainable food and also to reduce food waste.

Stordalen and EAT have been chosen by the U.N. as one of five international organizations, to spearhead efforts to establish and implement a platform for changes in food systems globally.

In line with the U.N. mandate, EAT is teaming up with a few strategic partners, including the Tromsø, Norway-based NSC, to collaborate on initiatives and activities jointly creating a strong voice for change towards more sustainable global food production and consumption patterns.

“When it comes to the ocean, Norway can become a global superpower. As a fishing and ocean industries nation we are already a major player, but with the necessary shift in global food systems – and the vital role sustainable seafood plays in this – it represents a unique opportunity for Norwegian seafood. In this, the Norwegian Seafood Council has a key role to play," Stordalen said. "The goal is to build a movement for change that can continue to grow long after the summit is over. In our view, mobilizing key players in the food system is key. The Norwegian Seafood Council has unique knowledge of consumers’ attitudes towards seafood all over the world. We look forward to sharing our knowledge and to speaking up for seafood as a key part of the solution for a sustainable and healthy food future.”

While seafood is touted as an important part of the solution to feed a growing world population in a sustainable manner, the NSC said food from the oceans make up just 2 percent of global calorie intake. 

"We will work towards putting increased consumption of healthy and sustainable seafood on the agenda globally. If we are to meet the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, we need to eat more food from the oceans – and that starts with ensuring seafood gets a louder voice both in Norway and internationally," NSC CEO Renate Larsen said. “EAT has built up a strong position as a global platform and acts as a catalyst for the change and development of sustainable food production systems. Through this partnership, EAT's research-based agenda to increase the share of food from the sea will gain even more traction.”  

Photo courtesy of Nata Bene/Shutterstock

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