Ambassadors Panel

Towards Generational Transition

September 18, WED  /  14:15 - 15:30

Gastrodiplomacy plays an enormous role in the sociocultural and economic aspects of universal sustainable development by bridging gaps between communities and encouraging the development of relationships and learning from each other.

Man is what he eats and drinks. Nations are what they eat and drink. All of our ancestors were hunter-gatherers, that been eating plants and animals from the wild nature. Humans have only begun to cultivate plants and domesticate animals in the last 11,000 years. Throughout the years of human evolution, nutritional structure determined human anatomy. The evolution of humanity continues, let us at least recall the appearance of new blood groups, and we are still dependent on what we eat. Moreover, what we eat today influences the direction in which humanity will evolve tomorrow.

Food, including its consumption, is a significant part of our cultural code. In ancient Greece, the god of hospitality was Zeus, and the most heinous crime was a disrespect toward a guest. Throughout the human history, food has been more than just a source of energy. In fact, it has been a catalyst for social transformation and social organization, geopolitical competition, industrial development, military conflict, and economic expansion.

Gastrodiplomacy is a complex program aimed at changing the image of a country (region); it is positioning (repositioning) with the help of national (regional) cuisine.

Gastrodiplomacy uses national cuisine as an influential factor in public (cultural) diplomacy with a synergetic effect that unites food, tourism and diplomacy, both in theory and in practice. The effectiveness of this type of diplomacy lies in the creation of intercultural understanding, which can lead to stronger relationships between nations and countries. Gastrodiplomacy uses food to build proper communication and achieve national interests.

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Speakers


* The Programme may be subject to change