“We are working towards a new consensus on the future of agriculture.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
A consensus to replace the current polarisation”
The year 2025 presents an unprecedented opportunity to drive meaningful change in global food and agricultural policy, trade, and development. As economic, environmental, and political dynamics evolve, food systems are increasingly at the heart of broader geopolitical and socio-economic transformations. Challenges—ranging from climate change and food insecurity to economic instability, trade uncertainty and geopolitical uncertainty—are reshaping the global landscape, necessitating a fundamental shift in how we approach them.
With the European Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food unveiled and negotiations on the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) underway, we have a critical chance to reshape food systems for greater resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness. Addressing these issues requires urgent, coordinated action, as food systems play a critical role in achieving broader SDG objectives, driving economic growth, alleviating poverty, and ensuring social stability worldwide.
Against this backdrop, the Strategic Summit is part of a broader initiative to overcome the current gridlock in food systems’ discussions by moving beyond polarisation and outdated narratives that no longer address the needs of stakeholders across the value chain. By reframing food and agriculture as strategic priorities for food security, climate resilience, economic stability, and global cooperation, the summit will facilitate a pragmatic, solutions-oriented dialogue. Bringing together 50 leading thinkers it will challenge outdated assumptions and develop forward-looking solutions that can drive the transition towards more resilient, competitive, and sustainable food systems.
The Summit is founded on collaboration and shared expertise, with strategic governance and strong partnerships across sectors ensuring its success and long-term impact. To this end, the agenda is co-created through a dynamic, evolving process, developed in collaboration with an Expert Steering Committee of specialists who provide strategic guidance and oversight.