What will our children eat in 2050? | VIGS Panel Discussion

As the official side event of Future Forward, Austria’s leading innovation conference, the Vienna Institute for Global Studies (VIGS) invites you to a thought-provoking panel discussion on the future of food and water:“What Will Our Children Eat in 2050?”

By 2050, the global population will surpass 9.7 billion. Climate change, shrinking arable land, and growing inequality in access to food and water are transforming how humanity survives and sustains itself. Floods, droughts, and supply chain disruptions are no longer distant possibilities, they are defining the present.

At the same time, innovation is reshaping how we grow, distribute, and consume resources. From AI-enabled agriculture and precision farming to desalination, water recycling, and alternative proteins, science and technology are expanding what’s possible. Yet the greatest challenge remains: connecting breakthroughs with policies and behaviors that can scale globally.

Key Topics

• Climate pressure on global food and water systems
• Emerging technologies: AI, biotech, and circular agriculture
• Alternative proteins and the cultural shift in how we eat
• Desalination, water recycling, and equitable access to resources
• Policy, innovation, and collaboration across borders
• Europe’s role in leading sustainable food and water transformation

Why Attend

• Gain forward-looking insights into how climate change and technology are reshaping global food and water systems
• Hear directly from innovators turning scientific breakthroughs into real-world solutions
• Explore how policy, collaboration, and entrepreneurship can drive sustainable transformation
• Connect with experts and peers committed to solving one of humanity’s greatest challenges

Why Attend

Gain fresh insights from global experts shaping the future of food, water, and sustainability
Discover breakthrough technologies redefining agriculture and resource management
Connect with leaders and innovators driving real-world impact

Panelists

Flo Mosoane – Founder & CEO, Easy Chicken Club (South Africa)

Dalareich Polot – Founder & CEO, Ginto Fine Chocolates; Co-Founder, Dalareich Chocolate House (Philippines)

AI Karaki – Founder & CEO, 4iAfrica Insight | Innovation | Implementation | Impact (Canada, based in South Africa)

Shirley Ben-Dak – General Partner, Mazarine Climate (Israel)

Kengo Kitaura - Founder, AGRIBUDDY / Systemic Design Architect (Japan)

Special Feature

The event is the official side event of Future Forward, Austria’s leading innovation conference. Selected speakers will also receive invitations to contribute to sessions at the main conference.

Event Details

📍 Venue: WeXelerate, Praterstraße 1, 1020 Vienna
🕓 Date & Time: Friday, 28 November 2025 | 16:30 – 20:00

Agenda:
16:30 – 17:00 – Arrival & Registration
17:00 – 19:00 – Keynotes, Panel Discussion & Q&A
19:00 – 20:00 – Networking Reception

About the Organizer

The Vienna Institute for Global Studies (VIGS) is a cutting-edge research center at Modul University Vienna, founded by Professor Dr. Zoltán Ács. Inspired by institutions such as the Santa Fe Institute and the RAND Corporation, VIGS combines economic and complexity science approaches to understand and address the world’s most pressing global challenges.

🔗 Registration is free, but spots are limited. Reserve your seat today and join us for this important VIGS milestone!