Good evening,

As patron of Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival, I would first of all like to welcome you all to the Copenhagen Food Summit 2016 – Better Food for More People.

I am glad to see that so many of you have travelled to Copenhagen from all over the world. We are so happy to have you here.

Because this food summit is not just a chance to enjoy the fantastic cuisine of our amazing Danish chefs.

This summit aims to find ways to unleash the full potential of gastronomy in the cities of the world.

Ever since I was a little girl, the experiences of preparing, cooking and enjoying food has been a central passion in my life.

To this day, I still remember the distinct sounds and smells coming from our kitchen before we all gathered in the evening around a simple but delicious dinner table.

Meals bring families and people together.  Good food brings joy and happiness.   

Therefore, I’m also very proud that Danish chefs and businesses are among the frontrunners of the global food revolution.

An educated approach to food is central to a healthy life.

But all children in this world are not as lucky as I was - or as my own children are today.

Many rarely enjoy home cooked meals. 

An increasing number of people lack basic cooking skills, alienating them from their own kitchen.

And at the same time the streets and garbage bins of our cities are flooding with surplus food.

We need to change that. We have a global challenge in ensuring Better Food for More People.  

For the sake of our health, our environment, but most importantly: Our children.

Therefore, I am so happy that this summit asks 4 central questions:

How can we ensure better food through better information?

How do we create efficient and reliable food safety controls, so our food is always safe to eat?

How can we open up gastronomy and spread the values of culinary quality?

And finally how do we prevent food waste?

In February earlier this year, I had the honor of opening the special Danish supermarket “WeFood” here in Copenhagen.

Its selection of goods consists only of surplus food from other Danish supermarkets, bakeries and other contributors.

And with low prizes, it gives families of fewer resources an opportunity to explore more food for less.

In the first three months alone, WeFood has sold more than 25 tons of food that would have gone to waste.

It is my hope that this summit will bring forward more ideas like WeFood, helping us to ensure Better Food for More People.

All children deserve to experience the joy of great food.

Let us spread the passion, knowledge and respect for the resources in our kitchens.

Not only here in Denmark - but in cities all over the world.

Thank you.