Declaration on Food at the Heart of Cultural Policy and Community Well-being

We, the undersigned, gathered in Barcelona at the inaugural World Gastronomy Summit, in the presence of cultural leaders, policymakers, chefs, producers, scholars, and representatives of civil society, declare our shared commitment to recognising, preserving, and celebrating food as a fundamental pillar of cultural heritage and identity.

We affirm that food is far more than nourishment. It is a living expression of culture—rooted in memory, territory, tradition, creativity, and community. Culinary practices connect generations, narrate the histories of our peoples, reflect our natural environments, and shape our shared sense of belonging.

Inspired by UNESCO’s leadership in recognising foodways as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, and marking 15 years since UNESCO recognised the Mediterranean diet as intangible cultural heritage, we reaffirm the critical role of gastronomy in safeguarding cultural diversity and fostering intercultural dialogue. From traditional farming and artisanal preparation to festive rituals and everyday meals, UNESCO’s work highlights the richness and vulnerability of our shared food heritage.

We applaud the efforts of IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism) and the recent launch of the World Regions of Gastronomy, a global network dedicated to safeguarding culinary heritage, promoting intercultural understanding, and empowering local communities. This initiative is vital in scaling efforts to protect food diversity, strengthen food literacy, and foster cross-sector collaboration.

We commend the leadership and strategic vision of Catalonia as World Region of Gastronomy 2025, whose integrated approach aligns culinary heritage with climate action. Catalonia exemplifies how cultural identity, environmental stewardship, and innovation can be interwoven to build more resilient, healthy, and sustainable food systems. Its model offers inspiration to regions worldwide.

We pay tribute to the foundational work of Slow Food, whose vision of “good, clean, and fair” food has catalysed a global movement towards sustainability, biodiversity, and ethical consumption.

We endorse the vision and values of The Food Capitals by Délice Network, which support a new food pact between urban and rural areas, founded on ethical public procurement; food education; food justice; support for local agriculture and promotion of gastronomic heritage.

We commend Regenerative Vanua in the Pacific for pioneering a model of regenerative standards in tourism and agriculture—one that honours the cultural rights and dignity of local communities and may serve as a framework for others.
We support all initiatives that train the next generation of food system change-makers in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, such as those led by the Future Food Institute.

We recognise the essential role of the Crop Trust in safeguarding the world’s crop diversity through its support of gene banks and its mission to ensure that future generations will have access to the agricultural biodiversity necessary for resilient, nutritious, and culturally significant food systems.

We celebrate the achievements of the 21 awarded European Regions of Gastronomy, whose decade-long journey demonstrates how local gastronomy—when supported and promoted—can become a powerful driver for sustainable development, cultural preservation, and regional identity.

We honour the inaugural regions from the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, the Pacific, Africa, and Asia, who are already leading the way — proving that food is not only sustenance but a powerful tool to reconnect people with the land and their traditions.