An immersive four-day bootcamp brought together chefs, food innovators, researchers and change-makers from across the globe to explore the transformative power of culinary activism and gastrodiplomacy in driving ecological and social change.
Organised by the Future Food Institute from 25 to 28 June 2026 at the Paideia Campus in Pollica, Italy, the bootcamp was held under the theme “Creativity and Culinary Activism to Unleash the Power of Food for Integral Ecological Revolution”. It aimed to empower chefs, food service leaders and storytellers as agents of change, while fostering collaboration between international experts, researchers and practitioners.
Through dialogue, practical exchange and collective reflection, participants worked to co-design tangible strategies for accelerating action on climate and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on regenerating Mediterranean food systems and aligning them with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
IGCAT’s President, Dr Diane Dodd, highlighted IGCAT’s mission to empower regions through food, culture, arts and sustainable tourism. She introduced the World Regions of Gastronomy initiative and shared insights into the upcoming 2nd World Gastronomy Summit, which will take place in Manta, Manabí, Ecuador, in October 2026, under the theme “Empowering Youth Through Gastronomy”.
A special screening of IGCAT’s Food Film Menu 2025 Winners’ Reel took place at Castello di Pollica, a delicious reel of short films from across the globe, showcased powerful food stories exploring the deep connections between gastronomy, cultural heritage, local communities and sustainable regional development.
The screening sparked inspiration and reflection on the role of gastronomy in preserving identity, strengthening community well-being and creating regenerative futures. It also reinforced the importance of storytelling as a tool for connecting people, places and food systems in ways that move from vision to action.
Finally, IGCAT’s President, together with María Alegría Serna from the Future Food Institute, led a dynamic workshop on Utopia/Dystopia that invited participants to design policies, projects and actions to safeguard our food futures for generations to come. The workshop reflected on what 2050 could look like and how an effective pathway can be created to co-design our future. Participants engaged in dystopian and utopian scenario-building, brainstorming solutions to achieve a better food future and mitigate potential challenges. This exercise encouraged attendees to think critically about the role of gastronomy in shaping sustainable communities and to explore innovative pathways for culinary activism.
Dr Dodd noted that the results of the workshop will be presented in Ecuador by María Alegría Serna from the Future Food Institute during the 2nd World Gastronomy Summit in October.
The Gastrodiplomacy Bootcamp reinforced the shared vision of IGCAT and the Future Food Institute: food is a powerful tool for diplomacy, sustainability and social transformation. By leveraging the influence of chefs and food leaders, the event demonstrated how culinary choices can drive conscious ecological development and inspire community-led change.
IGCAT remains committed to fostering partnerships that amplify the role of gastronomy, culture and sustainable tourism in building a more equitable, regenerative and connected world.
About IGCAT
International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance of protecting and promoting distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguarding our planet, health, wellness and local economies.
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT founded the World/European Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World Regions of Gastronomy and European Regions of Gastronomy Platforms. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Foodie Websites and the international Food Film Menu.
