Food must be officially recognized as a cultural resource on international agendas. This was the central message that emerged from the 1st World Gastronomy Congress of the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT), held at the historic Palau de Pedralbes in Barcelona, ??as part of MONDIACULT 2025.
More than 160 international experts, representatives of organizations such as UNESCO, Slow Food, Crop Trust, Future Food Institute, D?lice Network, as well as chefs and cultural networks, signed the Congress Declaration, pledging to defend gastronomy as a crucial factor for the environment, cultural identity and social well-being.
“Collective action is urgent”
IGCAT President Dr. Diane Dodd stressed that “the future of food is a shared responsibility” and congratulated Catalonia on its title of World Region of Gastronomy 2025, recognizing it as a beacon of good practice.
For her part, Cristina Massot from the Catalan government stressed that the connection between food and culture “is self-evident for Catalonia”, while Susanne Schnuttgen from UNESCO presented international efforts to promote gastronomic traditions.
Examples from around the world
Innovative policies from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas were presented in the plenary sessions. Examples from Catalonia, Asir in Saudi Arabia, Manab? in Ecuador and Thailand highlighted how gastronomy can inspire innovation, empower communities and preserve cultural heritage.
Visions for 2050
At the World Caf?, participants were asked to design scenarios for the future of food by 2050, comparing utopian and dystopian versions. Their ideas will be incorporated into an analytical report by IGCAT, which will act as a policy tool to defend gastronomic diversity.
The baton passes to Manab?
At the closing ceremony, Catalonia handed over the baton to Manab? in Ecuador, which will take over the title of World Region of Gastronomy 2026 and host the next World Congress.
The Minister of Enterprise and Employment of Catalonia, Miquel Samper, pledged to promote the Conference Declaration at MONDIACULT 2025, stating:
“Catalonia is living the best moment in its gastronomic history, with internationally acclaimed chefs, a dynamic new generation and high-quality agri-food production. Our cuisine is a point of reference and an element of identity at a global level.”
Culture and taste
The conference was accompanied by cultural events, tastings of local products and the awarding of the Food Film Menu 2025 Awards, culminating in a gala dinner that highlighted the gastronomic diversity of Catalonia.
