Selassie Atadika

Selassie Atadika is an award-winning chef, chocolatier, and thought leader transforming global food systems through sustainability, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. As the founder of Midunu, a nomadic dining concept, and Midunu Chocolates, she advocates for sustainable agriculture, ethical trade, and environmental resilience, highlighting the untapped potential of African foodways.

With over a decade of United Nations humanitarian experience across 40+ countries, Selassie brings a unique perspective to the intersection of food, climate change, and community. Her work champions indigenous crops, promotes biodiversity, and empowers smallholder farmers to create resilient food systems. A passionate environmental activist, Selassie emphasizes how value creation at origin—particularly in the cocoa industry—can combat climate-related challenges, reduce deforestation, and foster equitable economic development.

Selassie’s philosophy, rooted in her concept of “New African Cuisine,” celebrates Africa’s culinary heritage while embracing innovation to address global challenges like food insecurity, climate change, and soil degradation. By integrating underutilized crops like millet, fonio, and legumes into plant-forward diets, she demonstrates how sustainable agriculture can enhance environmental stewardship and build resilience against climate volatility.

A sought-after keynote speaker, Selassie has inspired audiences at the EAT Stockholm Food Forum, Design Indaba, and Harvard University. Her work has been featured in CNN, BBC, The New York Times, and Vogue, amplifying her mission to drive systemic change in the food industry.

Through her efforts, Selassie educates and motivates audiences to act—whether by supporting local food systems, championing sustainable agriculture, or advancing environmental advocacy. Her powerful storytelling and actionable insights make her an influential voice in the fight for climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and environmental justice.