The First International Congress on Food Security marked the beginning of a new international dialogue within G100, bringing together women leaders, experts, and practitioners from different regions of the world to address one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: ensuring food security and strengthening food sovereignty for present and future generations.

Jointly organized by the G100 Security & Defence and the G100 Zero Hunger Mission, the Congress created a global platform for sharing knowledge, regional experiences, and innovative approaches that contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger. Discussions highlighted that food security extends beyond food production, encompassing human security, public health, environmental sustainability, resilient economies, and the well-being of communities.

The initiative was originally proposed by Marlene Argote, Bolivia Country Chair of the G100 Security & Defence, who envisioned creating an international forum dedicated to food security and food sovereignty as essential components of human security. The Congress was jointly led by Bodil Valero, Global Chair of Security & Defence, and Karen Brugés, Global Chair of the Zero Hunger Mission, reflecting G100’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and women’s leadership in addressing global challenges.

Opening the Congress, Bodil Valero welcomed participants by introducing G100 as the global platform founded by Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai, emphasizing that security must be understood not only from a territorial perspective but also through the lens of human security, where access to food is a fundamental pillar of peace, resilience, and sustainable development.

Building on this vision, Karen Brugés introduced the international framework of food security through the definition established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), highlighting that food security exists when all people have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. She emphasized that advancing Zero Hunger requires strengthening food systems that preserve nutrition, improve livelihoods, and ensure equitable access to food for present and future generations.

Throughout the Congress, international leaders demonstrated that while food insecurity manifests differently across regions, common challenges demand shared solutions. Silvia Vázquez presented Argentina’s paradox of being a leading food-producing nation while facing high levels of food insecurity, emphasizing the strategic role of family farming and agroecological transition. Marlene Argote highlighted the importance of protecting native seeds, preserving ancestral knowledge, and strengthening local production as the foundation of food sovereignty. From Africa, Silvia Llopart shared innovative community initiatives in The Gambia, including organic fertilizers, solar-powered cold storage, and women’s empowerment as practical responses to food insecurity.