Bishop’s University

Bishop’s University at the World Food Forum in Rome, Italy

This month, Bishop’s University was represented on the global stage at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) World Food Forum, where Dr. Vivian Valencia, Research Chair in Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Action, presented The First Supper — an innovative transdisciplinary initiative that bridges art, science, and community dialogue to reimagine the future of our food systems. Read more here: https://foodsystemslab.com/the-first-supper/

Invited by the FAO, The First Supper was showcased at the Youth Culture Corner as a promising framework for inclusive youth engagement in climate action.

The exhibition booth, curated by Arts Administration student Imen Djendli, invited participants to “plant their hopes” in seeded paper pots — a symbolic act of reconnection with the Earth.

Through the Seeds of Sound interactive telephone, designed by Imen and built by the Bishop’s Computer Science Club, visitors listened to stories from farmers, students, and artists across Quebec, weaving together voices of belonging, care, and sustainability. Computer Science student Masoud Rafiee joined the event in Rome, representing the team behind this collaborative creation: Daniel James A. Carone, Umba Lubembele, Hugo Zamora Zorrilla, and Ineza Bonté.

Dr. Valencia took the stage to share the story of The First Supper pilot at Bishop’s — a collaborative effort across disciplines, developed in collaboration with Esther Charron (Arts Administration), Rebecca Harries (Drama), Julia Ros (Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems), and Heather Lawford (Psychology).

This remarkable initiative exemplifies Bishop’s commitment to creativity, collaboration, and global engagement. The First Supper continues to inspire new partnerships with FAO and other international actors toward more sustainable, just, and inclusive food systems.

With deep gratitude to the FAO team who invited The First Supper: Kazuki Kitaoka, Flora Igoe, Greta Bortolotti, Lucas Mueller, Sabin Lamichhane & the rest of the team!

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