SEOUL, 21 November 2024 – The UNIDO Global Call 2024 was a remarkable success. UNIDO ITPO Korea celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Global Call, a flagship annual event that recognizes and awards enterprises with innovative solutions to global challenges. This year’s award ceremony was held under the theme “FOODTECH Innovation and ISID (Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development): Nourishing the Future,” focusing on food-related technologies that can be leveraged for sustainable industrial development in developing countries and addressing various societal and environmental challenges within the current global food system.
A total of 228 applications were received from 55 countries across five continents: Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and South America, reflecting the rapid growth of the FoodTech industry and the use of advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, and 3D printing. Among these submissions, 17 companies were honored with 18 UNIDO Director-General’s Awards, while five domestic companies received Special Awards from Korean government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Korean Intellectual Property Office.
At the event, more than 120 participants, including government officials, Ministers, representatives from UNIDO Headquarters, ITPO Network, private sector investors, civil society, academia, and relevant organizations, gathered to celebrate the achievements of all the award-winning enterprises. This vibrant assembly highlighted the significance of innovation in the FoodTech sector and fostered valuable networking opportunities among attendees.
UNIDO Deputy to the Director General Fatou Haidara:
“The current state of the global food system is indeed alarming, as nearly one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted, highlighting significant inefficiencies in our supply chains and consumption patterns. This staggering amount not only worsens food insecurity for millions around the world but also contributes to approximately one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, further intensifying the challenges posed by climate change.”
More than 780 million people are currently suffering from hunger, while nearly one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted. Households alone waste over 1 billion meals every day—enough to provide 1.3 meals daily to every individual facing hunger. Unsustainable practices in food production, packaging, and consumption are exacerbating the climate crisis. Achieving the goals of zero hunger and responsible consumption and production remains a significant challenge. There is an urgent need for sustainable and innovative solutions, and FoodTech is emerging as a vital sector capable of addressing the challenges confronting our food systems.
The evaluation process was organized into four categories: Production, Manufacturing/Processing, Distribution/Delivery, and Consumption. This assessment was based on five criteria: innovation, competitiveness, sustainability, expansion potential, and expected return. The event showcased a diverse array of technologies, including seaweed-based alternative meat products, cell-cultured meat development technologies, alternatives to plastic and wood utilizing marine resources, solar-powered freezer solutions, smart packaging solutions integrated with IoT and AI, and superabsorbent protein development technologies derived from animal cells. A full list of award-winning enterprises can be found on the website: UNIDO GLOBAL CALL 2024
Head of UNIDO ITPO Korea Maengho Shin:
“This Global Call has reinforced our belief in FoodTech as a crucial tool for solving critical issues within the global food system and as a catalyst for new growth. I am confident that the companies recognized today will play pivotal roles in this transformative journey.”
Award-winning enterprises have benefited from various opportunities, including global promotion support, networking at UNIDO events, and participation in the UNIDO booth and pitching sessions during COEX FOOD WEEK and the World FoodTech Expo, held from November 20 to 23.
Since its inception in 2020, Global Call has evolved into a significant awarding event for UNIDO with a global reach. It has provided a vital platform for fostering a worldwide network of stakeholders to address challenges through innovative technologies and products, unlock the potential for multilateral collaboration, and ultimately enhance sustainable development in developing countries.
Global Call 2024 was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: WFTC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Korea Food Research Institute, and Korea Food Industry Association. It has received support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Korean Intellectual Property Office, and COEX.
