Dialogue Curator

The Dialogue Curator is identified and appointed by the Dialogue Convenor. The Curator is responsible for preparing, planning, and moderating a Food Systems Summit Dialogue, as well as ensuring the Dialogue contributes to the Food Systems Summit preparation.

The Dialogue Curator has:

  • a good understanding of food systems issues;
  • an appreciation of the Food Systems
  • Summit Dialogues method;
  • familiarity with at least some of the stakeholder groups who will participate.

Experience and expertise in:

  • engaging multiple stakeholders with different perspectives;
  • encouraging exploration of complex challenges using systems thinking;
  • establishing convergence and recognizing irreconcilable differences;
  • weaving co-owned outcomes in an inclusive and open way.

Principal tasks include:

  • preparing for the Dialogue event with the Convenor;
  • presiding over and moderating the event (welcoming participants, introducing high- level guests and explaining the focus and expected outcome of the Dialogue);
  • summarizing the outcomes from different Discussions Groups;
  • assisting the Convenor to complete the Official Dialogue Feedback form;
  • encouraging continued exchanges among the participants.

Preparation

These tasks are done with the Convenor as appropriate

  • Acting as the initial focal point for participants: provide clarity on the nature and shape of the Dialogues;
  • Finalizing topics to be explored by each discussion group;
  • Ensuring that each Discussion Group is allocated a comprehensible Discussion Topic reflecting the future state of food systems;
  • Reviewing the list of invited participants and – at intervals – check the names and affiliation of those who accept, inviting suitable replacements in case of non-acceptance;
  • Dividing individuals into groups of 8 to 10 diverse people who can reflect the perspectives of different stakeholder groups;
  • Identifying and appointing suitable Facilitators for each discussion group (with some kept in reserve in case of sudden change in need);
  • Preparing resource materials for participants that are aligned with the focus of the Dialogue and the Discussion Topics;
  • Creating the template which Facilitators can use to record outcomes of Discussion Groups.

At the Dialogue

  • Serving as master of ceremony and moderator for the Food Systems Summit Dialogue;
  • Introducing high-level guests, frame their contributions to the focus;
  • Explaining the purpose of the Dialogue and its contribution to the Summit preparation;
  • (If necessary) Describing the topic of food systems to Dialogue participants;
  • Presenting the Discussion Topics to participants: ensure they are understood and clarify the results expected from the Discussion Groups;
  • Inviting participants to connect with those they do not normally engage with and to explore Discussion Topics;
  • At the end of the discussion session, inviting each Facilitator to reflect on the discussions of their group;
  • At the end of the feedback session, summarizing the outcomes and encourage participants to engage in joint efforts for sustainable food systems;
  • Setting the tone of the Dialogue as a safe place, where people may disagree without being disagreeable.

After the Dialogue

  • (Within two weeks) supporting the Convenor to prepare the Dialogue Feedback form for submission via the Summit Dialogues Gateway website.

How do you become a Dialogue Curator?

Curators are invited to take on the role by a Convenor.

What to do if you have been invited to be a Curator

If you have been invited to be a Dialogue Curator, register now on the Gateway and access the c Take Part Zone.. Once registered, you will be able to accept the invitation and access more details about the event and the role including the exact location and logistics or joining details (for virtual events).

As a Curator, regular training events will be scheduled to support you in the role. Click here to view the training schedule.

A recommended rule for open discussion

When a certain level of anonymity can be promised, people speaking are more likely to be open and honest with what is said. This is important for the richness of the discussion and the value of the Dialogue. Therefore, information disclosed during a Dialogue event may be reported by those present, but the source of that information many not be explicitly or implicitly identified.

This rule is sometimes referred to as the “Chatham House Rule”.

The Convenor decides if this rule is in place at their Dialogue event and it should be communicated on the day to all Participants by the Curator.