The fifth anniversary of the UNIDO Global Call, a flagship annual event which recognizes and awards enterprises with innovative solutions to global challenges, was celebrated under the auspices of UNIDO ITPO Korea.
This year’s theme was “FoodTech Innovation and ISID (Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development): Nourishing the Future,” focusing on food-related technologies that can be leveraged for sustainable industrial development in developing countries and addressing various societal and environmental challenges within the current global food system.
228 applications were received from 55 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and South America, reflecting the rapid growth of the foodtech industry and the use of advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, and 3D printing.
Seventeen companies were honoured with 18 UNIDO Director-General’s Awards, while five domestic companies received Special Awards from Korean government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Korean Intellectual Property Office.
More than 120 participants, including government officials, ministers, representatives from UNIDO Headquarters and ITPO network, private sector investors, civil society and academia gathered to highlight innovation in the FoodTech sector.
UNIDO Deputy to the Director General, Fatou Haidara, said: “The current state of the global food system is indeed alarming, as nearly one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted, highlighting significant inefficiencies in our supply chains and consumption patterns. UNIDO creates transformative opportunities that address societal challenges across the entire food industry value chain, focusing on both food security and environmental sustainability.”
More than 780m people are currently suffering from hunger, while nearly one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted. Achieving the goals of zero hunger and responsible consumption and production remains a significant challenge. There is an urgent need for sustainable and innovative solutions, and foodtech is emerging as a vital sector capable of addressing the challenges confronting food systems.
Head of UNIDO ITPO Korea Maengho Shin said:“This Global Call has reinforced our belief in FoodTech as a crucial tool for solving critical issues within the global food system and as a catalyst for new growth. I am confident that the companies recognized today will play pivotal roles in this transformative journey.”
Prior to the Global Call 2024 Awards Ceremony, the World FoodTech Conference took place. The event was organized by the World FoodTech Council (WFTC) in collaboration with the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Seoul National University, the Presidential Commission on Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Policy, and COEX.
Head of UNIDO ITPO Nigeria Abimbola Olufore said: “The sustainable food value chain stands at a critical juncture globally, particularly in Africa. With Africa hosting 65% of the world’s uncultivated arable land yet facing significant post-harvest losses and food security challenges, the opportunity for transformative collaboration has never been more crucial. Korea’s journey from a food-deficit nation to a global foodtech leader offers invaluable lessons and opportunities. Your expertise in smart farming, food processing automation, and sustainable cold chain solutions directly addresses the challenges we face in African markets. Through UNIDO ITPO Nigeria’s partnership with ITPO Korea, we are eager to forge stronger bridges between Korean innovation and African opportunities.”
WFTC articulated its mission to address global food challenges through technological innovation, the promotion of international partnerships, and the active involvement of Korean companies in the FoodTech sector. Key initiatives discussed included the Global Call 2024 FoodTech Awards Ceremony and the establishment of a World FoodTech Platform, aimed at enhancing global collaboration and facilitating knowledge exchange among stakeholders.
Since its inception in 2020, Global Call has evolved into a significant awarding event for UNIDO with a global reach. It has provided a vital platform for fostering a worldwide network of stakeholders to address challenges through innovative technologies and products, unlock the potential for multilateral collaboration, and ultimately enhance sustainable development in developing countries.
