Durand and Halpern address behavioral change to combat food waste

Durand was speaking on the second day of the activities of the 12th edition of the International Government Communication Forum being organised at Expo Centre Sharjah by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau under the theme “Today’s Resources... Tomorrow’s Wealth.”

Durand, a prominent figure in the field, highlighted that the issue of food waste is of paramount significance, not only in the UAE but also on a global scale. He underscored the collective responsibility to take action, stating, "Each one, each one can do one thing differently to make a change."

Having collaborated with experts and stakeholders over the past year, Durand has been actively involved in discussions surrounding behavioural changes, primarily focusing on reducing food waste and promoting responsible consumption.

In the same context, David Halpern, CBE, Global President of BIT, said the IGCF witnessed a thought-provoking discourse on the pivotal role of human behaviour in shaping policies for a sustainable future. In his statement, Halpern, shed light on the intricacies of human behaviour and their profound implications for addressing global challenges, including climate change and environmental issues.

He commenced his address by emphasising the significance of understanding human behaviour in the context of contemporary issues. He stated, "We've learned over the last 20 or 30 years that many of the issues we are facing, including climate change and environmental concerns, rest on human behaviour. The changes we need to make, whether they pertain to behavioural shifts or technology adoption, have become a pressing imperative for policymakers across the world."

The Global President of BIT went on to delve into a more nuanced aspect of the discussion, highlighting the fact that policymakers themselves are human beings. “Irrespective of their expertise and acumen, even the brightest and best among us are susceptible to certain biases and errors, whether consciously acknowledged or not. This inherent human aspect can significantly influence policy development and the accuracy of predictions.”

During the IGCF session, Halpern led a dynamic discussion on how to harness behavioural insights to enhance the policymaking process and, in turn, craft more effective policies for the benefit of citizens worldwide. The insights shared illuminated the path toward becoming better policymakers and achieving the ultimate goal of crafting policies that cater to the diverse needs of communities, while also mitigating the challenges posed by human behaviour.

The 12th Annual IGCF was marked by its commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics between government communication and human behaviour. Halpern's thought-provoking remarks will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the minds of policymakers, scholars, and practitioners alike, inspiring them to integrate behavioral insights into their policy-making endeavours.

The Behavioural Insights Team is a world-leading organisation specialising in applying behavioural science to improve public policy and outcomes. With a rich history of influencing policy decisions, the team works collaboratively with governments and institutions to design and implement behaviourally-informed interventions that address complex societal challenges.