18 June: Sustainable Gastronomy Day observed

June 19, 2019

The Sustainable Gastronomy Day is observed all across the world every year on 18 June. Gastronomy refers to the study of relationship between food and culture and the commitment to sustainability implies responsibility for production and consumption of food.

About Sustainable Gastronomy Day

Background: In December 2016, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 18 June as World Sustainable Gastronomy Day by adopting resolution A/RES/71/246.

Objective: To acknowledge gastronomy as a cultural expression related to natural as well as cultural diversity of world. It also reaffirms that all cultures and civilizations are contributors and crucial enablers of sustainable development throughout the world.

Sustainable Gastronomy Commitment: means that all player involved such as public, private, producer, business, and travel institutions should support consumption of sustainable food and work towards creating links with local producers. This commitment of gastronomy towards principles of sustainability includes- poverty reduction, protection of cultural values, heritage and diversity, efficient use of resources and environmental protection and climate change.

Observance Facilitation: The United Nation General Assembly (UNGA), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) work towards facilitating observance of Sustainable Gastronomy Day, in collaboration with Member States, UN organizations and other international and regional bodies, as well as civil society.

Significance: The day is observed to emphasize the need to focus world’s attention on role that sustainable gastronomy can play in addition to its interlinkages with the three dimensions of sustainable development which is in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by promoting-