The Power of Food and the Values of the Roots

"The Power of Food and the Values of the Roots" seeks to delve into the profound connections between Italy and the USA through the lenses of culinary culture and sustainability. In our increasingly interconnected world, traditional food stands as a vital element of cultural identity, serving as both a bridge between nations and a potent tool for fostering a sustainable future.

A central theme of the conference will be the groundbreaking work of Ancel Keys, the American scientist who spent significant time in Pollica, Cilento, where he studied and codified the Mediterranean Diet. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, this dietary model not only promotes health and longevity but also embodies principles of sustainability and respect for local traditions. The event will explore how the Mediterranean Diet exemplifies the positive impact of traditional food practices on global health and environmental sustainability.

The conference will also examine the role and influence of traditional foods, such as pizza and coffee, in shaping global culinary culture. These foods, born from cultural exchanges and now universal symbols, illustrate how food can act as a catalyst for cultural integration and economic development. Discussions will focus on how the adoption and adaptation of these foods in various contexts contribute to preserving culinary traditions and promoting cultural diversity.

Presented by New York University’s Department of Nutrition and Food Studies and curated by Italea Campania, Future Food Institute, and the Centro Studi Dieta Mediterranea, this conference aims to highlight the power of gastrodiplomacy and cultural alliances in preserving living heritage and building a sustainable future.

Following the event, there will be a tasting session.

Speakers:

• Giovanni De Vita,  Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation - Coordinatore per il Turismo delle Radici del Ministero Affari Esteri e Cooperazione Internazionale. 

• Sara Roversi, President Future Food Institute, and Commissioner on Global food Security Kofi Annan Foundation 

• Stefano Pisani, Chairman of the Centro Studi Dieta Mediterranea, who will highlight the importance of the Mediterranean Diet as a model of sustainability and well-being.

• Andrew Fierberg, film producer,  with over 50 provocative, award-winning films to his name, Fierberg has left an indelible mark on the industry. He is currently producing and directing the Italian co-production Keys to Italy. A narrative feature about Margaret and Ancel Keys and the origins of the Mediterranean Diet.

Organizers:

New York University’s Department of Nutrition and Food Studies.

New York University is one of the largest private universities in America. The Department of Nutrition and Food Studies is dedicated to providing students with practical expertise and coursework to help them tackle today’s biggest problems in nutrition and food. The department believes in the fundamental importance of nutrition and food for human well-being and pleasure.

Steinhardt Global Affairs

NYU Steinhardt’s Global Affairs initiative connects education, health, and human development across cultures. As part of one of the largest private universities in America, it offers interdisciplinary programs and global experiences in cities like Shanghai and Paris, fostering innovative solutions to global challenges.

Italea Campania

Italea Campania in the territorial representative for the Campania Region of Italea for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Italea is the official program for promoting roots tourism, which was launched by the Italian governament. The name "Italea" comes from "talea," a practice that allows a plant to propagate by cutting a part and replanting it, thus growing new roots. This symbolizes the phenomenon of migration, representing the gratitude of the "mother plant" for its flourishing worldwide. Italea Campania guides participants in discovering their origins through personalized itineraries in Campania, reconstructing family trees, and offering travel experiences that allow immersion in Italian culture and traditions.

Future Food Institute

The Future Food Institute is a purpose-driven ecosystem facilitating positive transformation in life on Earth. It promotes innovation as a strategic element to achieve sustainable and impactful growth. The institute is dedicated to inspiring leaders and youth to action, using food as a nexus of fertility, prosperity, and longevity, and advocating integral ecology as a guiding framework to navigate global complexities.

Centro Studi Dieta Mediterranea

The Centro Studi Dieta Mediterranea manages the Permanent Secretariat of the UNESCO Emblematic Communities of the Mediterranean Diet, with the mission to safeguard and pass on this living heritage to future generations. The center is committed to promoting the Mediterranean Diet as a model of health, sustainability, and well-being, preserving the culinary and cultural traditions at its core.