As the world grapples with growing food insecurity, climate stress, and geopolitical volatility, over a hundred food systems experts and practitioners from around the world will gather in Jordan for the 5th Global Foresight4Food Workshop, set to take place from 15–19 June 2025 in Amman.
Under the theme “Foresight for Transformative Action in Food Systems: Leadership, Resilience and Regional Cooperation,” the workshop aims to confront the global food systems crisis head-on. Hosted by the Foresight4Food Initiative, the National Alliance Against Hunger and Malnutrition (NAJMAH), and the Jordan Ministry of Agriculture, with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the event brings together researchers, policymakers, foresight practitioners, private sector actors, and civil society representatives from across regions to explore actionable pathways for food system transformation.
A World in Polycrisis
The backdrop for this gathering is one of urgent need. Food systems are increasingly strained by intersecting challenges: rising global hunger, accelerating climate change, supply chain fragility, and deepening inequalities. While the necessity for food systems transformation is well understood, the workshop emphasizes moving from vision to execution — from the “why” and “what” to the crucial “how.”
“Foresight is not just about predicting the future; it’s about shaping it,” said Jim Woodhill, Lead Foresight4Food Initiative. “In turbulent times, we need bold leadership, deep cooperation, and the capacity to think and act with resilience.”
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As we approach the 5th Global Foresight4Food Workshop in Jordan, I find myself reflecting on what it truly means to transform our food systems—and what role foresight can play in helping us get there, says Bart de Steenhuijsen Piters, Senior Scientist Food System at the Wageningen University and Research and Foresight4Food FoSTr programme Facilitator.
Jordan as a Regional Beacon
Jordan, the host nation, is at the crossroads of food insecurity and innovation. While its food system has shown resilience and contributed significantly to national GDP and poverty reduction, challenges such as malnutrition among vulnerable groups, climate vulnerability, and water scarcity persist.
The country’s National Food Security Strategy 2021–2030 and its Food Systems Transformation Roadmap underscore Jordan’s commitment to sustainable development, making it a fitting stage for this international gathering.
Workshop Highlights
The four-day workshop features a rich mix of keynote addresses, foresight exercises, interactive dialogues, and field visits. Notable elements include:
- “Radical Food System Futures” scenario-building sessions
- Thematic deep dives into leadership, resilience, and regional cooperation
- Engagement sessions with the private sector and finance actors
- A regional conference on Transforming Food Systems Through Cooperation on 19 June, focused on MENA-wide collaboration
Distinguished speakers include Eng. Khaled Hneifat, Jordan’s Minister of Agriculture, and Harry Verweij, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, alongside regional thought leaders and foresight innovators.
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Asem Nabulsi —Foresight4Food FoSTr Programme Deputy Facilitator in Jordan—shares his perspectives on the critical challenges and emerging opportunities shaping global food systems. In this blog, he offers valuable insights into the urgent need for systemic change and highlights the powerful role foresight can play in building a more equitable, nutritious, and sustainable future.
A Call for Action and Collaboration
The workshop also showcases the Foresight4Food Framework — a participatory, evidence-based seven-step model that integrates data, modeling, and stakeholder engagement for strategic food systems planning. Designed to facilitate systemic change, the framework highlights the importance of trust-building, scenario development, and inclusive decision-making.
Looking Forward
As participants prepare to gather, the organizers emphasize community building and continued learning. Pre-workshop masterclasses, networking opportunities, and interactive exercises aim to extend the impact of the event well beyond the closing session.
Stay tuned on our website and on our social media for the latest workshop news, updates, and insights!