On Friday 24th June, the 50 Best organisation will host its first-ever ‘50 Next’ event in Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain, connecting the young people shaping the future of gastronomy with some of the most iconic chefs in the world. We have a full day of talks and debates planned, followed by the revelation of the 50 Next Class of 2022 – discover below and in the event's digital programme everything you need to know about the day and how you can follow the action live
An unranked list of young people whose work in the field of gastronomy has the potential to be future-shaping, 50 Next showcases a diverse global selection of bright minds who are turning their ideas into reality. After launching the 50 Next Class of 2021 last April, the Class of 2022 – created through robust research and analysis by 50 Best and the internationally renowned Basque Culinary Center – will be revealed at a live awards ceremony in Bilbao, with a host of special 50 Best chef presenters and many more surprises throughout the day.
On Friday 24th June, make sure you stay tuned to @TheWorlds50Best Instagram Stories to view the list and catch the best moments from the talks taking place throughout the day:
10:00 UK time/BST (11:00 Bilbao time/CEST)
Inspirational talks: Maitane Alonso, David Zilber and Jenny Dorsey
Maitane Alonso, a Basque medical student who invented an unconventional new machine to preserve food, will open the day’s proceedings to discuss how we can all rethink food waste. David Zilber, the Canadian culinary wizard who headed up Noma’s fermentation lab, will follow up by seeking to give an answer to the question: ‘Can recipes change the world?’ Next, upcoming Chinese-American chef Jenny Dorsey will discuss how we can all strive for social justice in food.
10:25 UK time (11:25 Bilbao time)
Keynote speech: Joan Roca
At the helm of El Celler de Can Roca for more than three decades alongside his brothers Jordi and Josep, chef Joan Roca has achieved legendary status in the industry – his restaurant was ranked No.1 in the world in 2013 and 2015, and it is now part of the Best of the Best group. The Spanish chef will share his latest thoughts on leadership, hospitality and success with the next generation of gastronomic gamechangers.
11:10 UK time (12:10 Bilbao time)
Debate: is the future plant-based?
This interactive panel discussion will challenge animal protein and its alternatives, with contributions from Leah Bessa, a South African advocate of insects as the future of food; vegan Zimbabwean chef Nicola Kagoro; Singaporean scientist Fengru Lin, who uses technology to make alternative milk from stem cells; and chef Javier Rivero, who serves meat and fish with a truly responsible approach at his restaurant Ama in Tolosa, Basque Country.
13:30 UK time (14:30 Bilbao time)
Inspirational talk: Mmbatho Molefe
After lunch, South African chef Mmbatho Molefe will take to the stage to share an inspiring address on indigenous culinary cultures and respecting our roots.
13:35 UK time (14:35 Bilbao time)
The big interview: Dominique Crenn and Michael Elégbèdé
World-renowned chef Dominique Crenn, at the helm of World’s 50 Best restaurant Atelier Crenn in San Francisco and winner of the Icon Award 2021, will co-host an interactive discussion with inspirational Nigerian chef Michael Elégbèdé, connecting today’s gastronomic leaders with the voices of the future in true 50 Next style.
14:00 UK time (15:00 Bilbao time)
50 Next Class of 2022 awards ceremony 
To conclude the day, a live awards ceremony will reveal the 50 Next Class of 2022, including appearances from special 50 Best guest presenters Mauro Colagreco, Joan Roca and Dominique Crenn. Make sure you stay tuned to @TheWorlds50Best on Instagram and Twitter to be the first to meet the outstanding personalities who make up the Class of 2022.
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