Rewriting the Protein Narrative: Trust, Shared Vision, and Sustainable Solutions

Post-Event Report from the World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogues 2025

Convened by Food Systems for the Future Institute during the 2025 World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogues, this report captures key insights from Rewriting the Protein Narrative—a high-level dialogue that brought together leaders from science, policy, industry, and youth networks to move beyond polarization in the global protein debate.

The discussion, moderated by Ambassador Ertharin Cousin, challenged the “animal vs. alternative” binary, reframing the issue around shared goals of nutrition security, rural livelihoods, and planetary health. Speakers including Jack Bobo (UCLA), Nicole Jenkins (EDF), Sam Wildman (Meat Institute), Sheila Voss (Good Food Institute), Paul Newnham (SDG2 Advocacy Hub), and Prof. Appolinaire Djikeng (ILRI) emphasized collaboration, equity, and trust as cornerstones of a sustainable protein future.

The report outlines practical pathways to reframe narratives, bridge divides, and build coalitions, including investments in youth-led initiatives, equitable distribution of nutrition, and inclusive storytelling that empowers rather than polarizes. It also launches the groundwork for a forthcoming multi-partner white paper co-led by FSF, EDF, and ILRI to inform future policy and action.

📄 Read the full report to explore how a “both/and” approach to protein can accelerate progress toward healthier diets, stronger livelihoods, and a resilient planet.