I attended the IUNS-ICN 2025 Congress in Paris and wanted to share a few of my “surprises” that may be of interest for our work.
I noticed a growing interest in linking gender perspectives when researching and shaping policies on climate change mitigation and adaptation. One oral presentation emphasized breastfeeding as a sustainable feeding practice—important not only for nutrition, but also for reducing the pollution created by artificial milk production. In the same line, it was inspiring to hear Rosa’s presentation, which highlighted the role of Shawi Indigenous women’s feeding practices during pregnancy.
I also learned that in Europe there are initiatives teaching children how to grow potatoes locally. These efforts aim to encourage children to eat healthier foods. This surprised me, since in my country we regularly grow and eat potatoes. It made me reflect that potatoes could become a common “language” connecting the Global North and the Global South in the future.
At least four sessions discussed Indigenous Peoples’ food systems and their importance for nutrition and health. In fact, a new task force on Indigenous food sovereignty was approved at this congress, and I was invited to join it. I feel honoured to be part of this task force.
Finally, one of the most caring moments was reuniting with three IPON colleagues & nutritionists: Valeria, Andrea, and Rosa. Their enthusiasm, kindness, and commitment to bringing their work from Peru to Europe made me realise the importance of IPON as a generator of solid scientific knowledge to help shape the emerging disciplines of planetary health and sustainable nutrition.