On October 14, 2025, the World Food Forum, in partnership with Norway, the World Reindeer Herders, the International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry, and the FAO Indigenous Peoples Unit, will host a session at the NOMAD Indigenous FoodLab (FAO Headquarters, Rome).

The event, titled “Real Opportunities from Knowledge: Leveraging Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems for Resilience, Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” will explore how Indigenous food knowledge can drive solutions to today’s global challenges—ranging from food insecurity and climate change to evolving international funding dynamics.

Speakers will highlight Indigenous food systems as powerful engines for economic development, youth empowerment, and sustainable food innovation, while addressing institutional barriers and funding opportunities.

The program features:

• Keynotes from contributors in Indigenous food innovation, including Anders Oskal (World Reindeer Herders), Alena Gerasimova (NOMAD FoodLab), and Yon Fernandez Larrinoa (FAO Indigenous Peoples Unit).
• A high-level panel with ambassadors and Indigenous representatives from Norway, Colombia, Mongolia, South Africa, Canada, and Sámi youth leaders.
• Food tastings showcasing Indigenous delicacies.

Discussions will focus on scaling Indigenous-led initiatives, strengthening participation in FAO frameworks, and aligning Indigenous food systems with global and national strategies to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

For more information, visit: www.nomadfoodlab.org