GHI Webinar - Global Ambassadors for Food Security and Peace: Bridging Science, Policy, and Innovation for a Sustainable Future

Date: tba 2025, Time: 2pm CEST

Duration: 1.5 hours

Abstract:
Featuring UN Goodwill Ambassadors Dr. Kyla Latrice Tennin and Dr. Chin-Kun Wang in a dialogue on nutrition, resilience, and global health leadership, this webinar explores the intersection of science, policy, and innovation in advancing food security and peace. Drawing from their extensive experience in clinical research, sustainable development, and international diplomacy, the speakers will share insights on precision nutrition, crisis recovery, and the role of global partnerships in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals—particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2). The session will highlight how evidence-based strategies, inclusive economic development, and harmonized food systems can contribute to a healthier, more equitable world.

Zero Hunger and Precision Health

Dr. Chin-Kun Wang. United Nations Global Ambassador for Zero Hunger

Abstract:
In February 2024, Dr. Chin-Kun Wang, a globally renowned expert in nutrition and public health, was appointed as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador to champion the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger. As the world population surpasses 8 billion, ensuring food security and nutritional well-being has become a critical global challenge. Dr. Wang has dedicated his mission to improving global health by addressing the root cause of poor health outcomes in underserved areas: food scarcity, rather than inadequate medication. Representing the UN, Dr. Wang has visited multiple countries and regions severely affected by hunger to better understand their food supply chains and needs. A key challenge he has tackled is the stringent food safety regulations in developed countries, which often lead to the rejection and destruction of imported foods that are safe for consumption under WHO standards but do not meet local regulatory thresholds. In collaboration with UN agencies, local governments, and stakeholders, Dr. Wang has facilitated the redistribution of such surplus food to regions in need, covering transportation costs through UN initiatives. To date, this program has successfully addressed food shortages in 15 cases, transforming wasted resources into lifesaving nourishment. Beyond his UN role, Dr. Wang is also the president of International Society for Precision Health. Dr. Wang’s innovative work bridges the gap between food security, nutrition, and health equity, showcasing global AI -driven platform in addressing global challenges. His advocacy for sustainable food distribution systems and the pivotal role of big data collection and analysis in preventive health care serves as a beacon for international collaboration, policy development, and research in advancing global health.

Peace and Food Security

Dr. Kyla Latrice Tennin United Nations Global Ambassador for Peace (African Union 6th Region)

Abstract:
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Speaker 1:
Dr. Professor Chin-Kun Wang

Dr. Chin-Kun Wang is a globally recognized expert in nutrition and precision health, currently serving as a Distinguished Professor at Chung Shan Medical University (CSMU) in Taiwan. He is a UN Goodwill Ambassador, President of the International Society for Precision Health, and Honorary President of the Nutrition Society of Taiwan. He previously served as President of the International Society for Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (ISNFF) and is a Fellow of IAFoS, ISNFF, and IFT. Dr. Wang earned both his MD and Ph.D. from National Taiwan University and has held leadership roles at CSMU including Chair, Dean, Vice President, and President. His research focuses on human clinical trials and the metabolism of medicines, nutritional supplements, herbs, and functional foods. More recently, he has pioneered work in precision nutrition, integrating big data and AI to personalize health interventions. A strong advocate for public health policy, Dr. Wang played a key role in promoting legislation for Taiwan’s School Sanitary Law and National Nutrition Law, and is currently leading efforts in nutrient fortification across all life stages. His work bridges science and policy to improve food safety, nutrition, and health outcomes globally. In 2024, Dr. Wang was appointed as a UN Goodwill Ambassador, where he actively collaborates with international scientists to address Zero Hunger and promote advanced health development. His contributions have earned him numerous awards for outstanding research and medical education from 2008 to 2024. Dr. Wang’s leadership, research, and advocacy continue to shape global conversations on nutrition, food security, and sustainable health systems - making him a vital voice in advancing the UN’s goals for a healthier, hunger-free world.

Speaker 2:
Dr. Kyla Latrice Tennin

Dr. Kyla Latrice Tennin is a United Nations Global Ambassador for Peace (African Union 6th Region), where she advocates for women’s empowerment, economic development, and the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Her work spans global peacebuilding, financial inclusion, and food security, with a focus on empowering vulnerable communities through strategic partnerships and policy innovation. With over 20 years of experience in finance, banking, and organizational leadership, Dr. Tennin is a Doctor of Management specializing in Change Management and crisis recovery. She consults with governments, institutions, and businesses to drive transformation and resilience—especially in post-conflict and economically challenged regions. She serves as an on-call Grant Reviewer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, evaluating programs with funding up to $65 million, including those impacting food systems and agricultural development. Her affiliations with the International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group, and Parliamentary Network support her mission to strengthen economies and promote peace through inclusive growth. Dr. Tennin is a leader at the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF), a G20-affiliated platform promoting financial inclusion and job creation for startups and SMEs. She has spoken alongside global leaders including UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and First Ladies and Ministers from Afghanistan, Jordan, Egypt, Mauritania, and Oman. As founder of a global conglomerate operating in 31 countries, Dr. Tennin has built a legacy of entrepreneurship, resilience, and education. She leads programs in women’s entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and corporate governance, supported by development banks across the Caribbean, Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Her research and publications span Environmental, Social, and Governance.(ESG), financial crimes, and sustainable development, reinforcing her commitment to peace, prosperity, and global cooperation.

Chair & Event Moderator:
Dr. Diana Bogueva

Dr. Diana Bogueva, is President of the Global Harmonization Initiative. Her background is as a social scientist and journalist with interests in sustainable food consumption, alternative proteins, consumer perception of novel food processing technologies and generational consumer behaviour, food sustainability and harmonization. Diana’s work has won three awards: the Australian National Best Book winner in 2019 and the World’s Best Book award 2020 in the Vegetarian book category at the prestigious 24th and 25th Gourmand Awards, considered equivalent to the Oscars in the area of food books, for her co-edited book ‘Environmental, Health and Business Opportunities in the New Meat Alternatives Market’. She also won the 2020 Faculty of Humanities Journal Article of the Year Award at Curtin University for their co-authored paper “Planetary Health and reduction in meat consumption”, which was at the top 5% of all world research outputs scored by Altmetrics. Diana is also a finalist in the 10th International Book Award at America’s Book Fair 2019 for her co-edited book ‘Handbook of Research on Social marketing and its influence on animal origin food product consumption’. In 2022 Diana published her first co-authored book ‘Food in a Planetary Emergency’ with Professor Dora Marinova. This book is a timely overview of current food systems and the required transformations to respond to climate change, population pressures, biodiversity loss and use of natural resources. And, in May 2023, as a tribute to the authors' efforts, talented writing skills and passion, ‘Food in a Planetary Emergency’ was awarded the 'Best of the Best - The Future of Food Gourmand Award’ at the 28th Award Ceremony. In 2024, Diana's co-authored book 'Nutrition Science, Marketing Nutrition, Health Claims and Public Policy' published by Elsevier, was a finalist for the Association of America publisher's award for the professional and scholarly publishing PROSE award.