COVID-19 has brought the planet to a halt, disrupting entire food systems, the global economy, environmental and climate efforts and much, much more. What we are witnessing is a global ‘syndemic’, or synergy of epidemics – crises that share root causes and reinforce each other, striking the world with one blow. It is clear that total system change is needed, and fast. This plenary highlights the urgent need for resilient, nutritious and food secure landscapes in order to achieve transformative change for our planet.