Keynote: José Andrés: The Stories We Tell Can Change the World

SXSW Sessions

Chef and humanitarian José Andrés founded World Central Kitchen (WCK) with the simple belief that a plate of food is more than a meal—it’s hope and comfort in times of crisis. Since its founding in 2010, WCK has provided more than 250 million nourishing meals in response to disasters around the world, most recently the wildfires in Chile, earthquakes in Türkiye, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

WCK’s approach to emergency response is rooted in listening to the needs of the community. When the organization is in a community facing unthinkable tragedy, they often hear stories that show the best of humanity. This keynote will dive into the responsibility that comes with this privilege and the power of storytelling to move people to act. No matter the platform, we all have the power to uplift voices to help build shared understanding—something so desperately needed in our world today.

Announced during José’s keynote, The World Central Kitchen Cookbook: Feeding Humanity, Feeding Hope, is a captivating collection of stories and recipes from renowned chefs, local cooks, friends of WCK, and José. The book is a celebration of dignity and perseverance—and about building longer tables, not higher walls. It is available now at https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/711636/the-world-central-kitchen-cookbook-by-jose-andres-and-world-central-kitchen-with-sam-chapple-sokol/?ref=PRH6DD7AB1328A8&aid=37171&linkid=PRH6DD7AB1328A8.