Whose Wisdom Feeds The Future?

Many food sustainability issues can be linked back to colonialism;

‘Exotic’ crops exploited to feed European demand, destroying biodiversity and regional diets.

Regenerative agricultural practices disregarded as food became a commodity to profit from.

Food used as a tool of control, erasing its spiritual, cultural and community significance.

And yet, when we discuss food sustainability strategies, decolonialism never seems to be on the agenda.

Decolonialism is about decentring the knowledge system imposed by the West.

When the role of colonialism is ignored, we also ignore the knowledge and wisdom that has enabled climate stability for centuries; Indigenous food systems, diasporic preservation techniques, ancestral growing practices and community traditions.

This event invites you to step away from the conventional tech-centred solutions to food sustainability. Instead we will explore how culture, heritage and decolonial thinking can be recognised and leveraged as legitimate sustainability tools.

What to expect

This is an interactive evening facilitated by Sabor Labs. We’ll explore how colonialism has shaped the global food system today, how this intersects with sustainability challenges and how decolonial thinking could be incorporated into our response. We’ll start the evening with drinks and nibbles, followed by a sharing plates style supper.

About Sabor Labs

Sabor Labs, run by Siddhi Ashar and Mareyah Bhatti, is driven by a mission to support the food and beverage industry to reimagine themselves as change agents. By combining foresight, sustainability, and storytelling, we help stakeholders reimagine what climate-resilient food can look like - creating foodways for innovation, resilience, and long-term food security in an increasingly uncertain world.

Siddhi Ashar is a strategic designer, futures practitioner, and filmmaker working at the intersection of climate resilience, systems change, and storytelling.

Mareyah Bhatti is a sustainability strategist, food content creator and politics blogger. Her interests have always surrounded exploring the health of the people, and the role the natural and urban environment has in this.

Who is this for

This event is for people who are particularly passionate about food sustainability. Perhaps you feel that there is something missing in current sustainability conversations which focus heavily on tech solutions and are keen to take a closer look at the root causes.

You don't need expertise in decoloniality theory. Just curiosity, openness, and perhaps a memory of a meal, ingredient or tradition that has shaped how you see the world.

Supper

We have chefs on-site who make everything from scratch, focussing on seasonal and nutritious produce. Please note that there are no options for supper. Our chefs prepare different recipes every time, it's guaranteed to be delicious. All food will be vegetarian, but please let us know in advance of any other dietary requirements.

Drinks will be available to purchase separately on the night.