This dynamic and thought provoking session aims to explore how we can transform towards more sustainable and healthy food and water systems in a just and inclusive way. By focusing on different aspects of the transformation, such as local workforce and skills development and the inclusion of local food cultures and other context specific aspects in the shift towards more sustainable and healthy diets, we aim to discuss the gaps between top-down strategies and bottom-up approaches. Moreover, we will highlight how current top-down solutions are inhibiting local resilience in global south areas. Bringing in a diversity of perspectives that range from local communities, private sector, governments and research, our session will have a particular focus on the co-creation of solutions adapted to context and how local communities are not merely beneficiaries but active co-creators of sustainable solutions that can be scaled.