Rewriting the Protein Narrative: Trust, Shared Vision, and Sustainable Solutions
Post-Event Report from the World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogues 2025
A special session about “Rewriting the Protein Narrative: Trust, Shared Vision, and Sustainable Solutions, was conducted during the World Food Prize-Borlaug Dialogue 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa (USA).
The panelists in this session were Cedric Habiyaremye from Food Systems for Future, Mr. Jack Bobo-Executive Director at UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies, Mr. Paul Newnham from SDG2 Advocacy Hub, Ms. Sheila Voss from The Good Food Institute, Mr. Sam Wildman from The Meat Institute, and Mr. Divine Ntiokam from Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global.
Speaking on behalf of Food Systems for the Future, Environmental Defense Fund, and the International Livestock Research Institute, Cedric Habiyaremye, Policy Director at Food Systems for the Future extended deepest gratitude for contributions to this important session.
He said that insights made this convening truly special, helping shift the conversation from competition to collaboration and reminding us that the future of protein is not about taking sides, but about building trust, shared value, and diverse solutions that nourish both people and planet.
The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Many noted how the discussion brought fresh energy, honesty, and optimism to a topic often marked by polarization. These dialogues are important in shaping a more inclusive and solutions-oriented food system.
Convened by Food Systems for the Future Institute during the 2025 World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogues, this report captures key insights from “Rewriting the Protein Narrative” a high-level dialogue that brought together leaders from science, policy, industry, and youth networks to move beyond polarization in the global protein debate.
The discussion, moderated by Ambassador Ertharin Cousin, challenged the “animal vs. alternative” binary, reframing the issue around shared goals of nutrition security, rural livelihoods, and planetary health. Speakers including Jack Bobo (UCLA), Nicole Jenkins (EDF), Sam Wildman (Meat Institute), Sheila Voss (Good Food Institute), Paul Newnham (SDG2 Advocacy Hub), and Prof. Appolinaire Djikeng (ILRI) emphasized collaboration, equity, and trust as cornerstones of a sustainable protein future.
The report outlines practical pathways to reframe narratives, bridge divides, and build coalitions, including investments in youth-led initiatives, equitable distribution of nutrition, and inclusive storytelling that empowers rather than polarizes. It also launches the groundwork for a forthcoming multi-partner white paper co-led by FSF, EDF, and ILRI to inform future policy and action.