Selassie Atadika Keynote Speaker

Selassie Atadika is an award-winning chef, chocolatier, and thought leader redefining food systems through the lens of sustainability, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. As the founder of Midunu, a nomadic dining concept, and Midunu Chocolates, she has become a global advocate for sustainable agriculture and ethical trade, using her platform to highlight the untapped potential of African foodways.

With over a decade of experience as a humanitarian with the United Nations across 40+ countries, Selassie brings a unique perspective to the intersection of food, sustainability, and community. Her work emphasizes the value of creating resilient food systems by championing indigenous crops, promoting biodiversity, and empowering smallholder farmers. She has inspired global audiences with her focus on value creation at origin, particularly in the cocoa industry, where she advocates for ethical sourcing and equitable trade practices.

Selassie’s philosophy, rooted in her concept of “New African Cuisine,” celebrates Africa’s culinary heritage while pushing the boundaries of innovation. By integrating underutilized crops such as millet, fonio, and legumes into plant-forward diets, she demonstrates how sustainable agriculture can address global challenges like food insecurity, climate change, and soil degradation.

A frequent keynote speaker, Selassie has graced stages at renowned platforms including the EAT Stockholm Food Forum, Design Indaba, and Harvard University. Her work has been featured in CNN, BBC, The New York Times, and Vogue, amplifying her mission to create systemic change in the food industry.

Through her efforts, Selassie not only educates but inspires audiences to act—whether by supporting local food systems, advocating for sustainability in agriculture, or rethinking their role in the global food landscape. Her powerful storytelling and actionable insights make her a sought-after voice in the movement for a more sustainable future.