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Goodwill Ambassadors and Advocates
The Roca Brothers
The Roca Brothers
Internationally acclaimed chefs Joan, Josep and Jordi Roca, from Spain, were appointed as UNDP Goodwill Ambassadors on 18 January 2016 to work closely with the Sustainable Development Goals Fund (SDG-F). The Roca brothers are helping generate support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), agreed by world leaders to achieve a future by 2030 where hunger, unemployment, inequality, and climate change are a thing of the past.
Food has always been a central part of the lives of the Spanish master chefs who spent most of their lives in their parents’ restaurant. Growing up, they realized that the way people experience food, how they cook food and preserve culinary traditions, have a direct impact on the fundamental areas of life.
“We are honoured to work with UNDP and the Sustainable Development Fund to advance the vision of a future where everyone has access to healthy foods,” said Josep Roca. “The mandate of the Sustainable Development Goals is clear. Creating prosperity means securing a food chain that is environmentally sustainable, socially just and economically inclusive.”
Owners of the critically acclaimed El Celler de Can Roca restaurant in Girona, Spain—twice named the world’s best restaurant by Restaurant Magazine—the brothers are known for emphasizing the importance of growing and producing food locally and in an environmentally conscious way, using traditional ingredients and practices, and ensuring that everyone has access to healthy nutrients.
As Goodwill Ambassadors, the brothers continue to advocate for better nutrition and food security to promote sustainable development and how food choices, or lack of choices, impact health and the environment.
By teaming up with UNDP and the SDG Fund, the Rocas are lending their voice and expertise to advocate for enhanced food security and access to nutritious food and advise on improving food industry and agricultural practices to protect the environment and create jobs.
Check out some of these chefs' compelling video messages in the video section below.