Hospitality Industry Has Role to Play in Promoting Sustainable Production, Consumption, Secretary-General Tells WorldChefs Congress

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the WorldChefs Congress, in Thessaloniki, Greece, today:

President Carroll, ladies and gentlemen,

I send my warmest greetings to everyone at the WorldChefs Congress.

This week, world leaders gathered at the United Nations to talk about the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  This Agenda is aimed at ending poverty and safeguarding our planet.  The 17 Sustainable Development Goals recognize the strong links between hunger, inequality and climate change.  If everyone is to have access to enough nutritious food, we need to adapt agriculture and fishery systems, end rural poverty, and respond to climate change.

Wherever you come from — whatever you cook — all members of the hospitality industry have a part to play.  You can promote sustainable production and consumption.  You can support farmers, fishermen and people in rural and coastal communities.

I thank WorldChefs for your continued support for the Zero Hunger Challenge to end hunger and malnutrition for all, and I welcome your participation in the Feed the Planet partnership for the Sustainable Development Goals.

I wish you all the best for your Congress.

Thank you.