Professor Gordana Đurić in a forum in Sri Lanka

Full Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Banja Luka, Gordana Đurić, PhD, participates in the Third Global Nyéléni Forum on Consumable Sovereignty, which is taking place in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

The Forum started on the 6th September 2025, and it is one of the largest and most diverse World’s gatherings of social movements. It brought together over 700 delegates from more than 100 countries, who discussed a common political vision and plan of action in light of numerous global crises.

This Forum gathers representatives of peasants, indigenous peoples, fishermen, cattle breeders, workers, feminist and ecological movements, migrants, consumer groups, researchers, health activists, and artists. United around principles of consumable sovereignty, agroecology, gender and climate justice, and economic equality, the participants build a global platform of resistance and solidarity.

On the opening day of the Forum, Professor Gordana Đurić, PhD, spoke on behalf of organizations and movements of Nyéléni regions of Europe and Central Asia. It was pointed out that the priorities of this Forum must be preservation and sustainable use of herbal genetic resources, protection of the rights of agricultural workers, as well as resistance to corporate control over food and seeds. It was emphasized that it is necessary to strengthen the local communities through agroecology, just trade and democratization of the economy, reminding that food is a basic human right that can only be exercised by means of a true consumable sovereignty.  Particular emphasis was put on the dignity of women and youth, as well as on just access to land, resources, and decision-making processes.

Holding this Forum in Sri Lanka carries a special symbolism, considering the “Aragalaja” protests of 2022 and political changes after the election of a new government in 2024. The country is presently looking for a more just model of development, a road to reconciliation and social justice.

The Forum lasts until 13 September, when the final declaration and action plans will be adopted, while the positions from the Europe and Central Asia region will become part of a joint global vision for consumable sovereignty. 

(PLJF/UNIBL)