Alumni and industry experts share solutions for climate-resilient food systems

Australia Awards alumni and industry experts from South Asia and Mongolia recently came together for a discussion exploring how communities can build more resilient food systems in the face of climate change. Titled From Farm to Fork: Building Resilient Food Systems for a Changing Climate, the webinar was organised by Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia’s Climate Action Working Group. It highlighted practical solutions spanning sustainable hospitality, green finance, vocational education and food waste reduction. The event attracted staff members and alumni from Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia, Australia Awards Myanmar and Australia Awards – Africa, demonstrating strong interest in the topic across the wider Australia Awards network.

The session was built around presentations delivered by expert speakers, and was facilitated by alumna Kavitha Kasala from India, who completed an Australia Awards Short Course on Agriculture and Food Security in 2025 and now works as an Associate Scientist at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics. The presenters were Hansini Amarasuriya, Senior Executive – PR & Sustainability Communications at Sri Lanka’s Jetwing Hotels; alumna Tuvshinjargal (Tuvshe) Ulambayar from Mongolia’s Khan Bank; alumna Qurrat Ul Ain, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management in Pakistan; and Maria Silva, runner-up of MasterChef Sri Lanka season 1.

Indian alumna Kavitha.

Opening the speaker presentations, Hansini shared how the hospitality sector can play a role in environmental stewardship by designing tourism experiences that work with nature rather than around it. Drawing on examples from Jetwing properties across Sri Lanka, she described how degraded land has been restored into thriving ecosystems, how organic farming supports hotel operations and how traditional agricultural knowledge continues to inform climate-resilient practices.

One example she gave was Jetwing Vil Uyana in Sigiriya, where a former agricultural site has been transformed into a wetland habitat that supports biodiversity and conservation. The property integrates traditional agricultural landscapes into the visitor experience while creating conditions for wildlife to thrive. Over time, biodiversity surveys conducted at the site have shown a significant increase in species present.

Hansini from Jetwing Hotels.

Hansini also highlighted efforts in collaboration with local farming families to revive traditional rice varieties at Jetwing Kaduruketha in Wellawaya. The initiative supports organic cultivation methods and heirloom rice varieties that are well suited to local climatic conditions. These efforts not only strengthen food systems but also help preserve agricultural knowledge passed down through generations.

Next, Mongolian alumna Tuvshe, who completed a Master of Economics and Resource Policy at the University of Adelaide in 2025, shared ways that sustainable finance is helping rural communities adapt to climate challenges. Speaking from her experience at Khan Bank, she explained how green lending products are supporting herder households to access renewable energy technologies, improved heating systems, water infrastructure and other climate-smart solutions.

Mongolian alumna Tuvshe.

She noted that many rural households face increasing climate pressures, including drought, extreme winters and land degradation. While financing is an important part of the solution, Tuvshe emphasised that successful climate adaptation also requires knowledge, access to reliable information and access to markets. Khan Bank’s green finance initiatives therefore combine financial products with information platforms and training opportunities designed to help consumers make informed decisions about sustainable technologies. Additionally, partnerships between financial institutions, suppliers, development organisations and educational institutions can help communities adopt practical solutions while strengthening long-term resilience.

Qurrat, an alumna who completed a Short Course on Supporting the Strengthening of TVET: Policy and Management in 2017, then spoke about the role of skills development, economic inclusion and industry partnerships in creating climate-resilient food systems. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in hospitality education through her career, she reflected on the need to prepare young people for the climate realities shaping the future of the industry.

Pakistani alumna, Qurrat.

Qurrat argued that vocational education must go beyond traditional hospitality competencies to include skills such as food waste reduction, sustainable sourcing, efficient resource use and climate-risk awareness. These capabilities can help future chefs, hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs contribute to more resilient food systems while remaining competitive in a changing economy.

She also highlighted the vital role women play throughout food systems, from agriculture and food processing to catering and entrepreneurship. While climate change presents significant challenges, she noted that women are well positioned to become powerful drivers of climate solutions when provided with access to training, finance and business opportunities.

The discussion concluded with a practical demonstration from MasterChef finalist Maria, who showed how climate-conscious choices can be incorporated into everyday cooking. Using young jackfruit, she demonstrated how a single ingredient can be transformed into multiple dishes, reducing food waste while maximising nutritional value and versatility.

MasterChef runner-up Maria.

Maria encouraged participants to rethink how ingredients are used in their kitchens, emphasising that climate-smart cooking does not need to be expensive or complicated. Small actions, such as finding creative ways to use ingredients that might otherwise be discarded, can collectively contribute to more sustainable consumption patterns.

During the Q&A session that followed the presentations, participants explored topics ranging from sustainable agriculture and water management to opportunities for alumni collaboration across borders. Those present also expressed interest in developing regional partnerships focused on climate-smart agriculture, resilient food systems and sustainable value chains.

The Climate Action Working Group provides a platform for Australia Awards staff and alumni to learn from experts, share knowledge, and identify ways to strengthen climate resilience across the Program and its activities. Through initiatives such as this webinar, Australia Awards encourages dialogue on climate resilience—a key priority for the Australian Government—by connecting alumni and industry experts from across the region to exchange insights and examine practical approaches to addressing climate-related challenges.