Do we choose or just consume?

Join CUES and FEAST for a cultural sparring on food sustainability

What really lies behind what ends up on our plates? To what extent do culture, communication and the wider food environment influence the choices we make?

On 20 October 2026, CUES and FEAST invite researchers, policymakers, civil society representatives, businesses and members of the public to OpenDot in Milan for an open and thought-provoking exchange on food sustainability.

Rather than following a traditional conference format with prepared speeches, the event will take the form of a “cultural sparring”: a lively and informal conversation in which participants will be encouraged to question established assumptions, share different perspectives and reflect collectively on how we understand, produce and choose food.

The discussion will bring together voices from research, culture, industry, policy and civil society. With the microphone open to speakers and participants alike, the event will explore how cultural narratives, policies and food environments shape consumption—and whether our everyday food decisions are truly a matter of individual choice.

The exchange will be followed by a short showcase of selected projects and research, providing further opportunities to share knowledge, discover new ideas and build connections. The evening will conclude with a networking reception.

Confirmed speakers

• Andrea Magarini, Food Policy Director
• Alessio Cicchini, Zero Waste and Food Content Creator, Recipe Developer and Food Specialist, contributor to Cook – Corriere della Sera
• Fabio Consalez, ICLEI
• Paola Plaku and Virginia Enssle, Fairtrade Advocacy
• Anna Maria Murante, Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Health Sciences, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa