Duncan Williamson

Duncan Williamson is a leading expert on the intricacies of food systems and sustainable diets, currently sharing his expertise as the Global Head of Food Systems for Forum for the Future. With a decorated 25 years in food, farming and environmental sectors, Duncan has managed detailed projects on agroecology and food systems for the likes of McDonalds, Organix, Greenpeace and Chatham House. In addition to his commitments at Forum for the Future, Duncan is also hired as a leading keynote speaker – having already addressed events for the UN FAO, House of Lords, Scottish Parliament and Climate COPs.

For almost three decades, Duncan Williamson has had a substantial impact on the food and farming industries. Early roles of Duncan's include being an Education Consultant for The Earth from the Air exhibition at The Natural History Museum and the Director of the Scalesia Foundation. Finding a great passion for the environment, Duncan later went on to become an Environmental Consultant for Planning Environment & Property Consultants, a role in which he managed proposals for tourism in Cornwall and advised Natural England on legislation and policies. In 2008, Duncan began a decade-long career with WWF UK. Appointed as a Senior Policy Advisor, Duncan was widely responsible for researching and preparing position statements and lobbying advocacy for the environment. In 2019, Duncan left WWF UK, having reached the decorated position of Head of Food Policy for WWF UK – a role in which he spearheaded work on food systems, food security and sustainable diets.

With a newfound knowledge of food systems, Duncan later went on to become the Global Head of Policy & Research for Compassion in World Farming and the Global Climate Change Lead, Food Crisis & Food Systems Advisor of Actions Against Hunger UK. Today, alongside his decorated role at Forum for the Future, Duncan is also a Senior Advisor of Sustainable Gastronomy for Climate Smart Chefs, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Eating Better and Faculty Member of the Food & Sustainability Certificate Program of the European Institute for Innovation and Sustainability. To share his expertise on food systems further, in 2020, Duncan became the Founder of Nourishing Food Systems – a leading advisory organisation specialising in advocacy, stakeholder engagement and thought leadership on food systems.

Now hired as a leading keynote speaker, Duncan Williamson is on a mission to help people transition to just and regenerative food systems – spearheading the narrative of sustainable nutrition globally. Specialising in research, advocacy strategy and policies regarding various aspects of climate change, water, food, agriculture, land management and nature, Duncan is highly sought after to share his expertise on TV, radio and podcasts across the country. Having delivered workshops for the likes of Tesco, Nestle and Unilever, Duncan has experience lobbying the world’s leading brands to take action against environmental challenges and journey toward a more sustainable future. Focussing on topics such as sustainable consumption, sustainable gastronomy, food justice, environmental impacts, farming, agroecology and biodiversity, don’t miss your opportunity to reap the benefits of hearing Forum for the Future’s Duncan Williamson speak at your next event.

In February 2024 we sat down virtually with Duncan Williamson and discussed the benefits of integrating sustainable practices both in a personal and professional capacity. Watch our Exclusive Interview with Duncan Williamson.