Can big data end hunger?

This HagueTalks will explore the future of food security and the ways in which young leaders from around the world can create positive change. You will engage in a lively discussion about the future of feeding the planet and the right to food. It will showcase how the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the Centre for Innovation at Leiden University work towards achieving zero hunger amongst Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

When a natural or man-made disaster strikes, humanitarian responders need information about its impact to advocate and plan for an effective response. Gathering data about the most vulnerable communities helps agencies understand how people have been affected, how they are coping and what assistance they need. It is here where the enormous drive from many individuals from all walks of life is key, as they can act as advocates for empowering the most vulnerable.

In addition to this we will have a look at our local communities and share best practices of The Hague and Ottawa.

Speakers

Jorn Poldermans works for the Centre for Innovation and is passionate about helping international organizations move their ideas further, rapidly, by activating and growing innovation trajectories together. Following his studies in Amsterdam, Sydney and Leiden, he co-founded The Hague’s chapter of the Stanford Peace Innovation Lab network, focusing on leveraging technology for society’s biggest challenges.

Mark Verheul was in charge of The Hague’s contribution at the World Expo 2015 in Milan Feeding the Planet: Energy for Life. He experienced an enormous drive from many individuals from all walks of life towards a more just, effective and efficient production and distribution of food on a global scale. Mark will share his most innovative “The Hague’s Best Practices”.

Katrina Siks co-founded Hidden Harvest Ottawa, a social purpose business which rescues and shares Ottawa’s fruit and nuts which would otherwise go to waste, with the aim of creating a food-tree-friendly city. Most food insecure people are often hiding in plain sight. More than 40,000 people in Ottawa rely on foodbanks every month. And yet, there are many ways that fresh fruit and veggies and other foods are wasted.

Jorn and Mark are from The Hague, the international city of peace and justice. Katrina lives in Ottawa.