Food Challenges is the second seminar in the Future Challenges: Systems Thinking and Values based Leadership Series.
This seminar series provides a framework for thinking about complex issues, using a non-partisan, values based approach. We host a diverse range of participants from business, education, government and industry. Absolutely no technical background is necessary to participate - just the ability to read, listen, and think critically.
The format for these seminars is a set of thoughtfully moderated discussions, based on a short set of readings to provide a common grounding for the dialogue. The moderators are experienced in their topics, and in facilitating a dynamic discussion with a diverse group of engaged participants. Conversations are informal, well grounded, and coherent. There is no need for agreement on a right answer or outcome - only the commitment to be civil and thoughtful. Aspen’s approach is through Socratic dialogue where the focus is on what the participants think. The one universal comment we receive is that everyone learns something new and truly useful.
FOOD CHALLENGES: Systems Thinking and Values-based Leadership
November 3rd, 4th and 5th | 9am to 11:30am daily
Moderated by experts in systems sciences, values-based leadership, food sciences, and policy formation:
Neil Jacobstein - Director Aspen Institute NZ, Aspen Crown Fellow, Chair AI Robotics Singularity University and Distinguished Scholar Stanford’s MediaX.
Dr. Vivienne Hunt - Food industry and science partnerships, Consultant, Industry Account Manager, NZ Food Safety Science & Research Centre hosted by Massey University, Beach Head Advisor NZTE South East Asia, formerly Senior Manager at Abbott Nutrition R&D Asia Pacific.
Prof. Warren McNabb - Professor in Nutrition, Deputy Director Riddet Institute, a NZ Centre of Excellence (CoRE) hosted by Massey University.
Moderators from left to right, Neil Jacobstein, Vivienne Hunt and Warren McNabb
Online over three 2.5 hour sessions:
Day 1: Framework for systems and values - elements of systems thinking, values based leadership, how systems representations can clarify our thinking about food sources, sinks, and flows, exploring the linkage to food systems trade-offs and values based leadership.
Day 2: Food challenges - what is food? Are all calories or proteins the same quality, and if not, how do they differ? How much energy, water, nutrients, pesticides, labour, storage, and shipping goes into our animal and plant based proteins? What are the opportunities for New Zealand's food entrepreneurs given technological innovations and other factors?
Day 3: Real world food policy decisions in business/government - what are the trade-offs between economics, health, and environmental protection? What factors are involved in producing organic food, or including sugar as a food ingredient? What are the impacts of taxes on certain kinds of food? What are New Zealand’s key food imports and exports, and how might that mix change in the future?
This seminar is available on a fee and scholarship basis by application.
Note: The IoD invites its members to log attendance at Aspen Institute seminars for consideration of CPD (continuing professional development) points. The allocation of points is based on activity with a focus on improving core governance competencies and knowledge.