Sydney, Australia  |  17-18 September 2025

This regional meeting aims to serve as a crucial milestone in establishing a movement to address the growing concerns of food and water insecurity in the Asia-Pacific region. By promoting the adoption of effective measurement tools like the Water Insecurity Experiences (WISE) scale, we can drive informed policies, better-targeted interventions, and more resilient communities. 

We welcome policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and experts across the Asia-Pacific region to share their experiences and best practices in using WISE to improve food and water insecurity.

Participants will:
  1. Share case studies and experiences from using the WISE tools across various countries and contexts.
  2. Expand knowledge on how to implement and interpret the WISE tools to collect data on food and water insecurity.
  3. Collaborate and strengthen their networks in the fields of food security, water access, and vulnerability reduction.
  4. Contribute to developing actionable recommendations for scaling up the adoption of WISE tools for improved monitoring, program development, and community-led advocacy.
  5. Help to promote the use of these tools as essential resources for improving policy design, program evaluation, and community-led advocacy related to food and water security in the region.
Program inclusions (TBC)

Duration: Two days, with optional writing workshop on day three

Opening Session: Keynote addresses by regional leaders and experts on food and water insecurity in Asia-Pacific.

Thematic Sessions:

  • The Role of WISE and FIES in Measuring Insecurity - Presentations of successful case studies from countries using FIES and WISE
  • Integrating WISE and FIES into National Monitoring Systems - Practical workshops on incorporating these tools into government and NGO data collection systems.
  • Policy and Advocacy for Widespread Tool Adoption - Panel discussions on advocating for institutionalising these tools for better resource allocation and decision-making.
  • Establishing a regional network – panel discussions on need and scope.

Roundtable Discussions: Small group discussions on local challenges, opportunities, and solutions for food and water insecurity.

Networking and Partnership Building: Facilitated opportunities for participants to connect and explore potential collaborations and partnerships

FoodWISE is organised by the UNSW Global Water Institute and The George Institute for Global Heath, in collaboration with Northwestern University. 

Professor Greg Leslie is Director of UNSW’s Global Water Institute, specializing in water governance, sustainable water management, and climate resilience. His work bridges the gap between scientific research and policy, aiming to improve water security in vulnerable regions.

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Professor Jacqui Webster is an expert in public health nutrition and food security at The George Institute for Global Health. Her research is on strengthening the impact of diet-related programs to address chronic diseases with a focus on community-led responses to food and water insecurity.

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A/Professor Sera Young is an Associate Professor at Northwestern University, renowned for her research on water insecurity, its links to health, and the development of innovative measurement tools. Her work focuses on understanding the impacts of water insecurity on vulnerable populations globally.

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Further information

Please contact UNSW Global Water Institute Project Officer Genevieve Poblete, at g.poblete@unsw.edu.au