Three-starred chef Daniel Humm partners with UNESCO to raise awareness about sustainable food practices and preserve diverse culinary traditions.
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| Renowned chef Daniel Humm joins UNESCO as a Goodwill Ambassador for Food Education, aiming to promote sustainable food practices and protect culinary heritage. Image Courtesy: Daniel Humm's FB Page |
Paris, France - September 26, 2024:
Renowned Swiss chef and plant-based food advocate Daniel Humm has been appointed a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Food Education. The appointment, announced by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, recognizes Humm's significant contributions to sustainable nutrition and his ability to promote the powerful connections between food and education.
Humm, known for his three-Michelin-star restaurant Eleven Madison Park in New York, is a passionate advocate for plant-based cuisine and its role in environmental protection. His appointment as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador aligns with the organization's global programs on environmental and health education, intangible cultural practices, and natural heritage preservation.
As a Goodwill Ambassador, Humm will focus on food education and its intersection with sustainability and food equity. He will participate in international events, such as the COP for biodiversity, to amplify UNESCO's voice on these issues. Additionally, he will promote UNESCO sites that embody agricultural, culinary, and gastronomic traditions, including World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves, and Creative Cities.
One of Humm's key initiatives will be to organize a plant-based public dinner with fellow UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Chef Mauro Colagreco in January 2025. This event aims to educate and raise awareness about sustainable food practices. Humm will also contribute to the development of a new UNESCO International Food Atlas, which will promote and safeguard culinary traditions inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Beyond his culinary accomplishments, Humm is a co-founder of Rethink Food, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a more equitable and sustainable food system. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he repurposed Eleven Madison Park as a kitchen to provide meals to food-insecure New Yorkers. This experience led him to reflect on global food insecurity and the need for more sustainable food production systems.
In 2021, Humm made a significant decision to transition Eleven Madison Park to a completely plant-based menu, maintaining its three Michelin stars. This bold move showcased his commitment to environmental sustainability and challenged traditional culinary norms.
Daniel Humm's appointment as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador is a testament to his influence and dedication to promoting sustainable food practices. Through his work, he aims to inspire individuals and communities to make informed choices about food and contribute to a healthier and more equitable planet.