KUCHING: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) plans to put food at the core of its sustainable development goals going forward.
MBKS Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said such an effort is in line with the policy direction of the state government after Kuching is recognised as Gastronomy City UNESCO in 2021.
“We chose the field of gastronomy because it is at the heart of our society. It speaks of both culture and environment.
“It unites and it divides. If you have ever heard two Kuching people argue over where to find the best Sarawak laksa, then you will know what I mean. It is at the centre of every celebration and the fuel for every activity,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the opening ceremony of Food and Society Conference at UCSI Hotel here on Wednesday.
Speaking on the conference, he stated that the conference was a key part of the council plan for designation.
“It is an incredible opportunity for our food sector to listen and learn and to share on an international platform.
“This is basis for the UNESCO Creative cities network and industry events like this one are essential in capacity building, knowledge exchange and partnerships for the goals,” he added.
For the record, the four-day conference, which began from Nov 15 to 18, will be joined by speakers from 15 countries, namely France, Italy, Spain, Senegal, Japan, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Peru, Brazil, Ghana and the Philippines.
With the theme “Sustainable and Inclusive Food Systems”, the conference began in 2017, with the last one taking place in La Sorbonne University in Paris, France, while the next one will likely to occur in 2025.
Also present during the ceremony were Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, UNESCO Chair co-chair holder, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Professor Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin and other distinguished guests.
