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IKEA FOUNDATION BECOMES A MEMBER OF THE GLOBAL ALLIANCE

Today, on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the Global Alliance for the Future of Food is pleased to welcome IKEA Foundation to its strategic alliance of philanthropic foundations working together to transform global food systems now and for future generations.

The foundation joins as a member at a time when the urgency of transforming global food systems has never been more acute. The experience of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is not only a stark reminder of the deep interconnections between human, animal, and planetary health, but of the importance of coming together — and working collaboratively — to create a safe, just, and healthy future for everyone. A critical component of this global change is transitioning to sustainable, secure, and equitable food systems which requires global dialogue, coordination, and deep collaboration across a multitude of sectors, geographies, and scales, from the local to the global.

Reflective of the Global Alliance’s seven guiding principles — renewability, resilience, equity, diversity, healthfulness, inclusion, and interconnectedness — IKEA Foundation’s vision is “to create a better everyday life for the many people.” When it comes to food systems and the environment, its programs of work in this area aim to transform linear, extractive, and exploitative forms of agriculture into inclusive, regenerative, and circular approaches that benefit people and the planet alike. Of particular note is their focus on Agricultural Livelihoods and helping people in rural communities grow their incomes from planet-friendly agriculture; championing the message that profitability cannot come at the expense of the people or the earth that sustains us.

Per Heggenes, CEO, IKEA Foundation, said: “Our societies are facing huge challenges – from climate change to the lack of sustainability in the way we produce our food. By being part of the Global Alliance, we can support climate action and help create food systems that are inclusive and fair, and that regenerate the environment rather than damaging it. We look forward to complementing the Global Alliance’s strong membership base while sharing our own insights. We are committed to supporting the transformation of the global food system at this critical time.”

Ruth Richardson, Executive Director, Global Alliance for the Future of Food, said: “We’re delighted to welcome IKEA Foundation to the Global Alliance; their membership, involvement, and strong connections to partners around the globe will enable us to continue to champion the case for food systems transformation worldwide.”