Deadline: 11-Apr-2026

The Coalition Building Learning Journey equips European food systems changemakers with skills, networks, and strategies to drive systemic change. Participants gain experience in coalition building, facilitative leadership, participatory design, and conflict resolution while connecting with peers across countries and sectors.

The program emphasizes collaboration, influence, and long-term impact, supporting participants to convene stakeholders, align goals, and sustain coordinated action in complex food systems.

Program Overview

The initiative focuses on enabling systemic change in European food systems by supporting individuals who can act as connective leaders—those able to align diverse actors toward shared objectives. Key focus areas include:

• Retail and finance engagement
• Sub-national policy action
• Narrative shift for public awareness
• Communities for change and alliance building

The program recognizes that systemic change requires more than organisational efforts; it relies on individuals skilled at building trust, facilitating collaboration, and maintaining momentum in complex networks.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Develop practical facilitation and co-creation skills
• Learn coalition-building techniques to drive collective action
• Design participatory strategies promoting shared ownership
• Practice inclusive methodologies and facilitative leadership
• Enhance abilities in conflict resolution, decision-making, and guiding collaborative processes
• Build personal resilience for sustained change efforts

Participant Profile

The program targets:

• Individuals actively working in food systems transformation in Europe
• Those already coordinating across organisations and building trust among stakeholders
• Participants willing to engage in peer learning, share experiences, and contribute to a collaborative network

Program Structure

• Duration: May to October
• Format: Mix of virtual workshops, peer coaching, and a multi-day residential in the Netherlands
• Costs: Fully covered for selected participants, including travel, accommodation, and session participation

Learning Experience

• Skill-building: Facilitation, coalition-building, conflict resolution, participatory design
• Networking: Peer-to-peer learning and cross-sector collaboration
• Reflection: Structured space to share knowledge, evaluate approaches, and shape program evolution
• Support: Delivered by expert facilitators Emma Harbour and Mareike Britten, with over 20 years’ experience in coalition work and systemic change

Key Benefits

• Build strong cross-sector networks across Europe
• Acquire tools for inclusive, collaborative leadership
• Develop strategies for long-term systemic impact
• Gain practical experience in coordinating diverse stakeholders

FAQs

1. Who can participate?
Individuals actively engaged in food systems transformation in Europe, already working across organisations.

2. What is covered?
All participation costs, including travel, accommodation, and program fees.

3. How long is the program?
From May to October, including virtual and in-person sessions.

4. What skills are developed?
Facilitation, coalition-building, participatory leadership, conflict resolution, and strategic decision-making.

5. Where is the residential session held?
In the Netherlands, as part of immersive skill-building.

6. Who delivers the program?
Facilitators Emma Harbour and Mareike Britten, experts in systemic change and coalition building.

Final Takeaway

The Coalition Building Learning Journey strengthens the capacity of European food systems changemakers to convene stakeholders, coordinate action, and drive sustainable systemic change. Participants gain practical skills, peer networks, and reflective space to support collaborative, long-term transformation across sectors and countries.

For more information, visit Healthy Food Healthy Planet.