Obama talks at innovation summit

(MILAN)

Former US President Barack Obama made his first major speech since leaving office at the global food innovation summit in Milan today.

Obama was the keynote speaker at Seed and Chips where he talked about food security and climate change.

With an estimated 10 billion mouths to feed by 2050 and less food available, innovation and collaboration will be vital in developing solutions to the obvious challenges that lie ahead.

Obama was in upbeat mood and told the audience in Milan that “if we seize the future there is nothing we can’t do.” He said “human innovation will deliver what we need” but that it is incumbent on everyone to act now to secure a sustainable future for all.

“There are steps we can take to make a difference,” he said. “We need to unleash the creative power of our best scientists to deploy new innovations, develop crops that can grow in harsh climates. And work to create a culture for sustainable food.”