Rome – The World Food Forum’s (WFF) Global Youth Forum opened today at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), marking a week of activities dedicated to youth-led solutions and actions for transforming agrifood systems under the theme “Good food for all, for today and tomorrow”. The event brings together young leaders, innovators and changemakers from around the world to FAO’s headquarters, reinforcing the critical role of youth in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive agrifood future.
During the opening ceremony, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized the necessity of youth involvement: “Youth perspectives and youth action are not only a top priority; they are a necessity for the future of our global agrifood systems food cultures.” He urged the young leaders present to “speak up and be heard,” underlining that their voices are essential for driving change. He highlighted the progress made, stating, “In just four short years, the World Food Forum has grown into a global movement, with thousands of passionate individuals coming together to make a difference.”
The Global Youth Forum, running from 14 to 18 October, will bring together the next generation of students, farmers, scientists and entrepreneurs to discuss and enact change—from the local to the global level. Participants can attend workshops, awards ceremonies, events and roundtable discussions designed to foster connections, engage with industry leaders and gain the tools necessary to address today’s challenges related to food insecurity and climate change.
The opening ceremony featured a panel discussion on the importance of youth engagement and empowerment in agrifood systems transformation. Key contributors included Linkham Douangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Lao PDR; Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs at the United Nations Youth Office; Juriaan Middelhoof, Dutch Ambassador for Youth, Education and Work; Marianna Montes Moreno, Chief of International Affairs and Cooperation of the Office of the First Lady of the Republic of El Salvador; Leyla Hasanova, COP29 Youth Climate Champion; and Andile Mnguni, WFF Youth Policy Board Member.
Youth empowerment and cultural exchange: a path to transformation
The forum will feature four thematic programmes: Youth Assembly, Youth Innovation Lab, Local Youth Action, Youth Education and Youth Culture – as well as Local Youth Action, where the WFF will launch 11 new National Chapters to reach a total of 25 that are bringing the impact of the WFF to the local level.
The Youth Assembly, the WFF’s year-round platform for the systematic and structured engagement of youth in agrifood governance, will host policy sessions and roundtables addressing key thematic and regional priorities, where young people will discuss local priorities and challenges and identify actionable solutions for a better food future.
The WFF Youth Innovation Lab will include hands-on competitions for students and young professionals, such as the Startup Innovation Awards, aimed at elevating young entrepreneurs creating technologies and innovations to benefit our planet, and the Transformative Research Challenge, which will focus on innovative research ideas to help transform agrifood systems. And it will also include the expansion of the WFF Youth Food Lab to new regions around the world.
The WFF School Assembly, part of the Education programme, will inspire children and youth by inviting students from around the globe, both at FAO headquarters and virtually, to engage with international leaders and youth activists about the importance of good food for all. Meanwhile, the Youth Culture programme will incorporate gastronomy, art, music, and film to enhance communication across cultures, featuring events like a Film Festival and cooking demonstrations to bridge the gap between policy, youth advocacy, and actionable solutions.
The ceremony featured an inspiring performance by Mpiwa, a talented artist from Zimbabwe, who captivated the audience with her powerful presence and a cultural segment with Parneet Kaur, an Indian poet and sustainability and gender equality advocate.
What is ‘Good food for all, for today and tomorrow’?
In 2024, the WFF aims to mobilize individuals globally through diverse events, targeted investments and innovations to drive strategic changes in agrifood systems. Launched in 2021, the WFF has become a leading platform for youth engagement in agrifood issues, fostering solutions to urgent challenges. The theme “Good food for all, for today and tomorrow” calls for improved production, nutrition and quality of life for everyone, encouraging all ages to take part in creating a healthier planet and brighter future.
