Last month highlighted key pulses initiatives amid growing emphasis on sustainable food systems, with campaigns promoting consumption and policies addressing nutrition and safety. Read on to get the full down-low.

Institutions, private companies and communities came together as WPD 2026 marked ten years since the International Year of Pulses, underscoring how far pulses have moved on the global food agenda. Through its “Look Closer” campaign, the Global Pulse Confederation encouraged consumers to rethink everyday food choices, while activities across regions highlighted pulses’ expanding role in nutrition, sustainability and food security.

From microbiome repair to soil regeneration, the latest Planetary Health Diet, presented on October 2, makes one thing clear: pulses are not just part of the solution, they are indispensable. The implications are economic and strategic, with potential policy incentives, rising demand, and a stronger link to consumer health narratives fueling a new wave of innovation.

Despite cuts in global development funding, March’s Nutrition 4 Growth Summit raised $27.55 billion, breaking the record set by the 2021 Tokyo summit and defying the odds. But what does this landmark event reveal about the future of nutrition?

Bronwen Evans looks at the rise of young people choosing plant-based alternatives in Africa and speaks to Donovan Will at ProVeg South Africa about the accessibility of plant-based products.

ProVeg International, a non-governmental food awareness organization, working to change global food systems, recently announced the launch of its Youth Board. Comprising ten young activists from across the globe, the Youth Board will promote ProVeg's goal of reducing meat consumption by 50% by 2040 under the banner "Diet Change Not Climate Change."

February 10, 2022 marked the 4th annual World Pulses Day and the UN FAO held a 2-hour webinar in which both key industry players from worldwide organizations and young influencers bringing about positive change at a global level were invited to speak.

The celebration this year under the theme Pulses to empower youth in achieving sustainable agrifood systems will focus on the key role young people play in shaping a better future for food.

Under the MOU, the Global Pulse Confederation and the International Grains Council agree to share information and explore other opportunities for collaboration