The 2026 World Food Day Symposium brings together global experts, policymakers, practitioners, and community leaders to advance climate-resilient, culturally rooted, and equitable food systems. Convened by the Green Institute in partnership with the HeTa Research Institute and the University of Birmingham, UK, the symposium is held under the theme “Food for Tomorrow: Cultivating Climate-Resilient, Culturally Rooted Food Systems.” It highlights practical solutions that strengthen agricultural resilience, safeguard indigenous food knowledge, enhance nutrition security, and inform sustainable, inclusive food policies.

KEYNOTE

SPEAKERS

The subthemes highlight critical areas in achieving global food security and sustainability, while also encouraging contributions on other relevant and innovative topics.

Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture

• Climate-smart and regenerative agricultural practices

• Soil health, water management, and ecosystem restoration

• Adaptation strategies for smallholder and rural farmers

• Sustainable livestock and fisheries systems

• Agriculture resilience in climate-vulnerable regions

Indigenous Knowledge and Culturally Rooted Food Systems

• Indigenous and traditional farming and food practices

• Protecting food heritage, biodiversity, and local seed systems

• Cultural identity, food traditions, and community resilience

• Integrating indigenous knowledge into modern food systems

• Ethical governance of traditional food resources

Nutrition, Food Security, and Public Health

• Nutrition-sensitive agriculture and food systems

• Addressing malnutrition and food insecurity

• Sustainable diets and healthy food environments

• Food safety and quality in changing climates

• Linking food systems to health and wellbeing outcomes

Innovation, Technology, and Food Systems Transformation

• Digital tools and data for resilient food systems

• Sustainable food processing, storage, and value chains

• Climate-resilient crops and agricultural innovation

• Reducing food loss and waste through innovation

• Technology access and equity in food systems

Policy, Governance, and Food Sovereignty

• Food policies for climate resilience and sustainability

• Strengthening local and national food governance systems

• Food sovereignty, equity, and access to resources

• Global partnerships and multilevel governance

• Aligning food systems with the SDGs and climate commitments

Important Deadlines

DEADLINE FOR Abstract Submission

August 30, 2026

Acceptance Notification

September 8, 2026

DEADLINE FOR EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION

September 20, 2026

DEADLINE FOR Full Paper Submission and Registration

September 25, 2026

Abstract Submission

During the registration process, you will have the opportunity to submit a 250-word abstract in English. This abstract should include the title, theme, focus, and main contributions of your paper, article, or research.

Paper Format

All panel abstracts, paper abstracts, posters, and presentations will be available online as open access on our website.

Three types of manuscripts may be submitted:

• Full-length Articles: These should describe new and carefully confirmed findings, and experimental procedures should be given in sufficient detail for others to verify the work. The length of a full paper should be the minimum required to describe and interpret the work clearly.

• Short Communications: Suitable for recording the results of complete small investigations or giving details of new models or hypotheses, innovative methods, techniques, or apparatus. The style of the main sections need not conform to that of full-length papers. Short communications should be 2 to 4 printed pages (about 6 to 12 manuscript pages) in length.

• Reviews: Submissions of reviews and perspectives covering topics of current interest are welcome and encouraged. Reviews should be concise and no longer than 4-6 printed pages (about 12 to 18 manuscript pages). Reviews are also peer-reviewed.

• Posters: Submission of posters must include data and methodology. Posters are subject to peer review and will be made available on all our platforms before the day of the event.

Anyone wishing to present or publish a presented paper must register for the conference and submit an abstract(s). Abstracts and full-length papers (in case of peer-reviewed publication) should be emailed to hello@greeninstitute.ng with the MS Word file name format "WFD2026_Peterson_Abstract" or "WFD2026_Peterson_Fullpaper", where "Peterson" represents the corresponding author's surname and "WDF2026" stands for the conference code.

Fees & Certification

CERTIFICATION

A verifiable ‘Certificate of Participation’ will be issued to participants who have successfully presented their papers, at a discounted rate.

• Participation + Certificate: $10

• Oral Presentation + Certificate: $25

• Poster Presentation + Certificate: $25

• Presentation + Certificate + Publication: $100

You will have the option to make your certification payment after receiving registration confirmation from the Organizing Committee.