Policy makers and scientists will meet in Rome, from 6 to 7 July 2015, to discuss appropriate perspectives, policy approaches and tools for the improvement of complex food systems meeting urban food needs  in developing countries and those of economies in transition. Main discussion themes will include: planetary issues, food systems efficiency, inclusiveness and resilience, as well as policies for improved food systems meeting urban food needs. Participants will also be able to learn about complex systems perspectives and tools applied to food systems from some of the leading scientists in the field.

The conference is organized by the System Dynamics Italian Chapter (SYDIC), in cooperation with La Sapienza University of Rome and with the technical support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through its project “Meeting Urban Food Needs” (MUFN). It will be attended by influential personalities, among them: John Ingram, expert of Food Security and Member of the International Resources Panel from the United Nations; Vandana Shiva, scientist, activist and member of several international organizations; Hans Herren, Head of the Millennium Institute, and George Richardson, Professor Emeritus at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University of Albany, and one of the best Systems Dynamicists of our times.

This event is in line with SYDIC’s aim of bringing science into practice so as to improve systems analysis and policy definition and ultimately promoting a “Model-based Governance” approach.  It also responds to the joint interest of the FAO-MUFN and SYDIC of enriching the methods of analysis of food systems meeting urban food needs and means  of intervention, subjects that will  also be discussed during an Expert Meeting being organized by FAO-MUFN on 8 July in Rome, to be attended by selected participants.

Registrations are now open: visit the webpage for more information and to register.