The SEEDS project was proudly presented at the 5th Annual BIPOC Climate Justice Summit: Power Shift, a landmark event held on 21 September 2025 in New York City as part of the NYC Climate Week.
Hosted by the Columbia University in partnership with the HBCU Green Fund, the Donors of Color Network, and the ACE Observatory, the Summit marked the official launch of Climate Week and brought together frontline communities, activists, policymakers, researchers, and funders from across the globe.
This year’s edition – Power Shift – focused on building collective power and advancing transformative climate justice, addressing systemic inequities and amplifying the leadership of BIPOC communities. Discussions revolved around five key thematic shifts:
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The Power Shift – Elevating frontline leadership, movement diplomacy, and community mandates in the lead-up to COP30 and beyond.
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The Knowledge Shift – Confronting extractive systems of science, law, and philanthropy while uplifting collective wisdom and decolonised knowledge.
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The Policy Shift – Exploring how local and federal governments can redistribute power through participatory governance and justice-centered decision-making.
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The System Shift – Grounding climate justice in reparations, mutual aid, land back, and regenerative practices led by BIPOC communities.
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Mutual Aid as Strategy – Reframing mutual aid not as charity, but as a reparative practice and organizing model for a just climate future.
Amid the dynamic panels and interactive sessions, SEEDS was showcased through a poster presentation, highlighting its innovative approach to strengthening food security and sustainability through the valorisation of ancient grains. The project’s contribution underscored how climate-resilient crops and traditional agricultural practices can support equitable and sustainable food systems in the face of global climate challenges.
This participation reflects SEEDS’ ongoing commitment to bridging scientific research, traditional knowledge, and policy action to promote a just and inclusive green transition.
A special thanks goes to our colleague Alessandro Fusco from Future Food Institute for his continuous commitment, professionalism, and exceptional engagement in representing the SEEDS project at such a prestigious international event.
