Chefs’ Manifesto at FAO – Cooking & Speaking at World Food Day in Rome

When the United Nations invited a group of chefs to Rome for World Food Day, I packed my knives—not for a dinner service, but for a mission.

As part of the Chefs’ Manifesto—a global chef-led initiative aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals—I joined an international delegation of chefs from India, South Africa, Peru, Italy, and the U.S. to spotlight the role food plays in solving global challenges. Led by Paul Newnham, Director of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub, this gathering was more than symbolic—it was a working collaboration grounded in action, dialogue, and cultural exchange.

Our shared goal was to highlight sustainable aquaculture and celebrate the biodiversity that connects our global food systems. Each chef prepared a dish that honored local ingredients, regional traditions, and the collective commitment to sustainability. My contribution drew from my Southern coastal roots, reflecting my belief in the power of food to build community and protect ecosystems.

But this event was about more than what was on the plate. It was about bridging the gap between policy and practice—between what we cook and what the world needs. We spoke about the urgent issues impacting our communities and kitchens: climate change, food insecurity, the loss of biodiversity, and the need for systemic reform in how we grow, distribute, and value food.

World Food Day reminded me that chefs have a unique opportunity—and a growing responsibility—to lead with our values. When we center sustainability and equity in our kitchens, we don’t just create better meals—we help create a better world.

If you're a chef looking to use your craft for good, I encourage you to explore the Chefs’ Manifesto. And if you're a policymaker, advocate, or food lover—remember: your plate is a place of power.