The United Nations(UN’s) Sustainable Gastronomy Day (SGD), celebrated every year across the globe on 18 June, to spotlight the importance of sustainable agrifood systems.
- Led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), this day emphasizes the role of gastronomy in fostering environmentally friendly and culturally rich food practices.
What is Sustainable Gastronomy?
i.Gastronomy refers to the style of cooking, which reflects regional and cultural diversity through local ingredients and culinary traditions.
ii.Sustainable gastronomy promotes cooking methods that maximize food efficiency and minimize waste by considering ingredient sources, production, and distribution.
Background:
i.On 21 December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/71/246, proclaiming 18 June as Sustainable Gastronomy Day(SGD).
ii.The first observance took place in 2017, recognizing gastronomy as a cultural expression linked to global diversity.
iii.SGD serves as a strategic platform to promote food system sustainability, aligning with the principles of Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Life on Land (SDG 15).
Sustainable Gastronomy Week (SGW) 2025:
i.To broaden the reach of SGD, the World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Initiative launched Sustainable Gastronomy Week (SGW) in 2024.
ii.The 2025 edition of SGW will be observed from 16 to 22 June 2025, engaging young chefs from 30 countries to promote sustainable cooking.
Keyfacts:
i.The FAO estimates that one-third of global food production, amounting to 1.3 billion tonnes, is lost or wasted annually, causing environmental strain and a global financial loss estimated at USD 1 trillion each year .
ii.Despite sufficient production, 9 million people die annually from hunger-related causes, and over 700 million face hunger daily, jeopardizing the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger by 2030.
UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN):
i.The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in 2004 to promote international cooperation among cities that recognize creativity as a key element in sustainable urban development.
ii.As of 2025, the network includes around 350 cities from over 100 countries, covering seven designated creative fields: Crafts and Folk Arts, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.
iii.As of 2025, a total of 56 cities worldwide have been officially designated as Creative Cities of Gastronomy under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
iv.As of 2025, several Indian cities have been recognised by the UCCN for their contributions across diverse creative fields.
- In the category of Crafts and Folk Arts, Jaipur (Rajasthan) was designated in 2015, followed by Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir, J&K) in 2021.
- In the field of Film, Mumbai (Maharashtra) earned the title in 2019.
- Under Gastronomy, Hyderabad (Telangana) was recognised in 2019 for its rich culinary traditions.
- Kozhikode (Kerala) was included in the Literature category in 2023.
- Meanwhile, in the domain of Music, Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN) was designated in 2017, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) in 2015, and Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh, MP) in 2023.
