Rome, October 16–17, 2025
The City of Rome welcomed representatives from 18 cities across the European Union, Canada, and the United States for the IURC North America Thematic Networking Event. “Rome’s Food Policy: Striving for a Sustainable, Holistic, and Inclusive Regional Food System” explored how cities can design and implement comprehensive food policies that promote sustainability, social inclusion, and regional collaboration.
During the opening, Councillor Sabrina Alfonsi emphasized Rome’s leadership in food governance and reflected on World Food Day and the 80th anniversary of FAO, stating, “Rome is committed to recognising the crucial role that food policies play in collective well-being and the health of the planet.”
City representatives learned about the Rome Food Policy Framework and how multiple actors, including the City of Rome, the Metropolitan Area of Rome, ANCI Lazio, Risorse per Roma, and the Rome Food Council, collaborate to shape an integrated and equitable food system. The two-day programme featured interactive sessions, meetings with local officials, and site visits that highlighted both policy approaches and practical initiatives. Lutz Köppen, Policy Officer at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy, and representatives from North American partner cities shared perspectives on integrating sustainability, innovation, and citizen participation into local food systems. Interactive sessions focused on local production and agroecology, distribution and local markets, combating food poverty, and reducing food waste, with presentations by Rome Food Council workgroup coordinators.
Site visits included Cooperativa Garibaldi, an agricultural social cooperative promoting inclusion and vocational habilitation, and the Community Garden ORT9, which showcased urban regeneration and community-driven food solutions. Networking activities such as the OrtoAperitif at ORT9 provided opportunities for informal exchanges between local stakeholders and international delegates.
The event highlighted the importance of international cooperation in advancing food resilience and urban sustainability. This was one of the final activities of the IURC North America programme, supported by the European Union and the EU Delegations in Canada and the United States.
Dive into our Takeaways article to uncover the key insights, city experiences, and ideas shared during the IURC North America event in Rome.
👉 [Read the Event Takeaways]