World Food Forum in Rome, Italy, and FAO’s 80th anniversary
Under the 2025 theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”, the WFF took place from 13 to 17 October 2025 at the headquarters of the UN FAO in Rome, Italy, at the Global-Hub on Indigenous Peoples’ food systems (Global-Hub).
More than 70 experts from the Global-Hub, Indigenous Peoples’ leaders, chefs and artists from seven regions of the world took part in the global discussions for the future of food, youth action, science and innovation. WRH and ICR participated in the Forum and also brought the two tents of the Foodlab and 2 average sized traditional Arctic tents to Rome (see report on logistical operations below). In addition, ICR chef team was providing Arctic food for participants and supporting chefs from other regions.
This is the fourth time the Foodlab had been installed at FAO HQ during WFF, and third time with two connected big tents (Advocacy and Technical tents). The FoodLab hosted different activities in both tents led by Indigenous Peoples and supported by FAO to share knowledge and influence the policy debate on the transformation of food systems. The FoodLab became the venue for some of the WFF sessions and the main kitchen for Indigenous chefs from different regions to present their traditional foods at the WFF 2025.
The first day of the WFF started at the Global-Hub on Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems by the official opening with FAO Director General QU Dongyu, with the fire lightning ceremony by FAO Director General and Chief Deskaheh, following Indigenous Elders sharing their words of wisdom in times of crisis.
Different WFF and Global-Hub events took place in the Foodlab, including side events, tent talks, fire talks, food receptions and evening program. Here reference is made to the official agenda, attached as appendix. Furthermore it is referred to the FAO and PSUI website https://www.fao.org/events/detail/a-nomadic-indigenous-peoples'-territory-at-fao's-80-anniversary/en where details on the different program elements are found.