On 12 August 2025, the World Food Forum (WFF)’s Global Youth Action Initiative (Youth Initiative) marked International Youth Day with a regional webinar marathon. Building on the successful 24-hour marathon of 2024, this year featured webinars across five regions of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and country-level activities to amplify youth voices where they matter most.

 

This year, the United Nations Youth Office announced the theme for International Youth Day as “Local youth action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and beyond”, recognizing the vital role of youth-led action in achieving global goals for a better future. Reflecting this, the WFF Youth Initiative in collaboration with FAO Decentralized Offices aligned global efforts with local priorities. The WFF National Youth Chapters shared inspiring examples of youth inclusion in agrifood systems, supported by FAO experts.

Regional webinars were co-organized with FAO Regional Offices: in Africa, youth focal points showcased best practices; in Asia and the Pacific, FAO Representative Ken Shimizu opened the session; in Europe and Central Asia, FAO Junior Technical Officer of Rural Development, Family Farming and Youth András Kovalóczy called for stronger youth leadership. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the WFF Youth Initiative team and the FAO Regional Office in Santiago, Chile, comoderated the session and highlighted the work of the FAO Country Office in Honduras in supporting youth-led initiatives in the country. In the Near East and North Africa, the session was facilitated by the FAO Regional Office and moderated by the FAO Country Office in Egypt.

Under the unifying call “Hand in Hand for a Better Agrifood Future”, young leaders from different WFF National Youth Chapters demonstrated innovation in advancing climate resilience, food security and policy inclusion. From farming communities in Africa to tech hubs in Asia and the Pacific, youth emerged not just as participants but as architects of solutions, driving change through digital agriculture, policy advocacy and intergenerational knowledge exchange.

International Youth Day also marked an important milestone in the expansion of the WFF National Youth Chapter network, with a new Chapter launched in Chile and a provincial Chapter in Ontario, Canada. Initial discussions for potential Chapters also took place in Ethiopia, France, Hungary, Morocco, Rwanda, South Sudan, Switzerland, Uzbekistan and Zambia. Another highlight was the national youth dialogue, “Resilient Youth: Innovation and Action in the Face of Climate Change and Food Insecurity”, organized by the upcoming Chapter in Guatemala, which provided youth with a crucial platform to shape regional priorities and ensure youth perspectives are reflected in the lead up to the Summit of the Americas. These collective efforts underscored how youth are turning dialogue into action, showing that sustainable agrifood systems transformation begins with their courage, creativity and commitment to equity. Outcomes from the webinars and events will also contribute to the UN Youth Office’s #YouthLead Dialogue Affairs Report, ensuring youth perspectives are reflected in global processes.

2. Highlights from the regional webinar marathon

2.1 AFRICA

Youth leaders from over 15 countries shared innovative approaches to agrifood systems transformation in a dialogue moderated by Yared Abera, Director of Youth Print, Ethiopia.   Opening the session, Caesar Vulley, Regional Youth Employment Specialist, FAO Regional Office for Africa, reminded participants that, “Seventy percent of Sub-Saharan Africa is under thirty, and by 2030 young Africans will form half of the world’s youth population. This isn’t just a statistic; it is our continent’s greatest catalyst for change”.

Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa from the WFF Ghana Youth Chapter showcased a grassroots approach, mobilizing 300 members across 11 regions through social media campaigns and women-focused agribusiness groups. Vivian Joseph from the WFF Tanzania Youth Chapter highlighted how the Chapter tackles tokenism with policy advocacy clusters and inclusive practices, empowering youth with disabilities to engage in global forums like the 2nd UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) and the Conference of the Parties (COP). Roger Abbé from the upcoming WFF Côte d’Ivorie Youth Chapter highlighted partnerships with the Ministry of Agriculture to create “innovation sandboxes” for young entrepreneurs, aiming to counter Africa’s brain drain.

Other voices reinforced this momentum: Anthony Aidoo, Director of the WFF Ghana Youth Chapter, emphasized the need to connect production to markets; Gugulethu Mahlangu from the upcoming WFF  South Africa Youth Chapter transformed abandoned buildings into urban vertical farms; and Emmanuel Samuel from the upcoming WFF Ethiopia Youth Chapter demonstrated the use of ancient clay pot irrigation to farm in drought-prone areas.

Closing the session, Yared Abera identified three shared priorities – digital market access, land tenure reforms and intergenerational mentorship – underscoring how Africa’s agrifood systems transformation depends on unity, creativity and youth leadership.

In addition to the regional webinar, some WFF National Youth Chapters conducted specific activities at the country level:

ETHIOPIA

On International Youth Day, Ethiopia marked a milestone with the first official gathering of the upcoming WFF Ethiopia Youth Chapter in Addis Ababa. Organized with the support of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the WFF Youth Initiative team, the event brought together youth organizations, partners and young leaders to shape a shared vision for a youth-led agrifood systems transformation. GGGI Ethiopia Country Director Okechukwu Daniel Ogbonnaya emphasized that the Chapter aims to be youth-driven, creating space for innovation, dialogue and action in rural regions beyond the capital.

Looking ahead, the upcoming Chapter plans to engage youth through creative activities, policy dialogues and capacity building, culminating in its official launch at the African Climate Summit in Nairobi this September.

GHANA

As part of National Youth Month in August, the FAO Country Office in Ghana invited the WFF Ghana Youth Chapter to co-host the Youth Dialogue on Fisheries and Livestock. The event served as a mentorship platform to equip young people with practical insights for building successful careers in agribusiness. The Dialogue opened with remarks from the Ministry of Youth, followed by interactive breakout sessions on access to finance, vocational training, market opportunities, regulatory and policy support, climate change, sustainability and the role of technology, industrialization and mechanization. Participants engaged directly with  experts, exchanged ideas and received tailored guidance. The session closed with a collective discussion that reinforced the commitment to advancing youth-led initiatives and unlocking new opportunities in Ghana’s agrifood sector.

 

KENYA

At the United Nations Office in Nairobi, youth leaders, policymakers and development partners gathered to celebrate International Youth Day. Under the theme, “Local Youth Action for the SDGs and Beyond”, the session emphasized that young people are not waiting for the future, they are leading change today. Christine Karanja, from the upcoming WFF Kenya Youth Chapter, captured this spirit by urging institutions to move youth from the margins to the centre of decision-making, reminding  all that “as long as you are useful, you are youthful”.

The event featured interactive dialogues, panels and breakout sessions that spotlighted youth-led solutions in health, climate action, education, governance and sustainable agrifood systems transformation. It concluded with a strong call to action, linking local innovation in Kenya to global movements like the #WeAreNature campaign, while setting the tone for youth priorities to shape outcomes at the UN General Assembly later this year.

 

LIBERIA

The upcoming WFF Liberia Youth Chapter marked International Youth Day with a special radio segment on Voice of Firestone Liberia (89.5 FM) radio, highlighting youth leadership in climate-smart agriculture (CSA) under the theme, “Seeds of resilience: Youth leadership for climate action”.

Robert F. Sieh from the upcoming Chapter emphasized how youth are driving change in CSA, showcasing practical examples of youth-led initiatives and calling for inclusive policies, investment in innovation and stronger regional collaboration.

The broadcast reached more than 20 000 listeners, generating 30 live call-ins and follow-up engagements, reflecting strong public interest in youth-driven solutions. Building on this success, the Chapter continued its outreach with an appearance on ECOWAS Radio on 16 August, further promoting youth leadership in Liberia and the WFF flagship event, which was livestreamed from the FAO County Office in Liberia.

 

NIGERIA

On 16 August 2025, the upcoming WFF Nigeria Youth Chapter marked International Youth Day with a virtual event under the theme “Local Youth Action for the SDGs and Beyond”. The webinar brought together 50 participants, including young changemakers, agripreneurs and development partners, to showcase youth-led innovations tackling food insecurity, malnutrition and climate change.  From training young farmers and developing nutritious food alternatives to advancing circular economy models with organic compost, the discussions highlighted practical pathways for agrifood systems transformation in Nigeria. The event not only inspired participants but also strengthened networks, amplified youth voices and reinforced the roles of collaboration, innovation and policy support in building sustainable agrifood systems.

 

RWANDA

On 30 July 2025, ahead of International Youth Day, the upcoming WFF Rwanda Youth Chapter held its inaugural workshop at the African Leadership University in Kigali. The event brought together over 50 young leaders, farmers, agripreneurs and students and was organized with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), FAO Country Office in Rwanda, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA,) Sight and Life Rwanda and Hope for the Future Development. Under the theme, “Youth at the centre of Rwanda’s agrifood systems transformation”, the event introduced the WFF National Youth Chapter framework and provided a space for youth and decision-makers to co-design solutions. Proposals included a national agri-tech hackathon, a digital marketplace for youth agribusinesses and a policy dialogue series linked to national strategies (the National Strategy for Transformation and the Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation), reflecting the ambition and creativity of Rwanda’s young changemakers.  Stakeholders also pledged concrete support:  MINAGRI committed to integrating youth voices into land and finance policies, AGRA offered mentorship and market linkages, the FAO Country Office in Rwanda pledged training in CSA, and Sight and Life promised backing for nutrition innovations.

The workshop closed with the launch of a national campaign, #RwandaWFF, to mobilize engagement ahead of the Chapter’s official launch at the WFF flagship event in October 2025. Rwanda’s youth are set to take the lead in shaping more inclusive, innovative and resilient agrifood systems.

SIERRA LEONE

On 12 August 2025, the WFF Sierra Leone Chapter, together with the University of Makeni’s Student Council, hosted the Youth for Feed Salone Summit 2025 in Makeni to mark International Youth Day. Under the title, “Hand in hand with youth: A key element in advancing agrifood systems and climate action to achieve the Feed Salone vision”, the event brought together 57 participants, including young leaders, farmers, students, agripreneurs, government officials and non-governmental organizations.

The summit featured keynote speeches, storytelling sessions and a panel discussion highlighting both the barriers and opportunities for youth in agrifood systems. Speakers urged young people to see agriculture not as a last resort but as a pathway to innovation, entrepreneurship and national development. Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone vision cannot succeed without the energy and leadership of its youth.

The event succeeded in building stronger youth networks, sparking collaboration opportunities and inspiring participants to act on CSA. Feedback was positive, with more than 90 percent of attendees expressing interest in joining the Chapter’s initiatives. The summit concluded with a call for mentorship, partnerships and practical training to ensure that young people are equipped to transform the country’s agrifood systems and create a better food future.

 

SOUTH SUDAN

As part of the International Youth Day celebrations, the upcoming WFF South Sudan Youth Chapter partnered with five local youth-led organizations to organize a tree planting event at Juba Na Bari Primary School in Thong-Piny, Juba. This marked the Chapter’s first coordinated activity, promoting environmental stewardship, and highlighting youth leadership in climate action.

 

The event was attended by key government officials, including the National Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, the Director General for National Programs in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Central Equatoria State Advisor on Gender, Child and Social Welfare. Students, teachers and guests actively participated, reinforcing partnerships between the school, local government and the Chapter. Key outcomes included increased awareness of environmental issues and the relevance of the upcoming Chapter, as well as laying the foundation for sustained youth-led initiatives, with plans to support the Green Club at the Juba Na Bari Primary School through training, leadership development and ongoing engagement with the Chapter.

 

ZAMBIA

On International Youth Day , the upcoming WFF Zambia Youth Chapter,, brought together government, private sector and youth leaders to aid the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems in the country. With over 70 percent of Zambians under the age of 35 and agriculture employing half the workforce, youth unemployment and food insecurity remain pressing challenges. The launch highlighted youth as innovators and leaders, with initiatives like K500 000 (~ USD 21 000) lowinterest loans and expanded land access. A youth communiqué called for policy reform, financial access, infrastructure improvements and skills development.

Panels and fireside chats showcased youth entrepreneurship, while partners like AGRA and SNV Netherlands Development Organization pledged support for agribusiness programmes. The Chapter presented a year-one roadmap, including capacity building activities and Zambia’s first Food Systems Festival.

 

2.2 ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

The Asia and the Pacific webinar on 12 August 2025 brought together youth leaders from across the region to explore innovative solutions for agrifood systems. Lauren Dickins from the upcoming WFF Australia Youth Chapter opened with a challenge: “How do we harness our collective knowledge, friendships and stories to advance good food for all?”

Ken Shimizu, FAO Country Representative for Bhutan and Nepal, reflected on the value of youth partnerships: “Working with youth chapters transformed us”, he said. He also noted how FAO Country Offices that were once disconnected from young voices now thrive through collaboration.

ahik Abdat and Clara Citra from the WFF Indonesia Youth Chapter shared their journey with the Indonesia Food Academy, which trained 100 youth across 12 workshops. Addressing tensions between forest conservation and palm oil expansion, they launched podcasts to amplify farmer wisdom, established sub-chapters in Ponogoro and used social media to make issues like sugar taxes accessible to young audiences.

Nishtha Dawadi from the WFF Nepal Youth Chapter showcased grassroots impact. Provincial youth teams in the country converted market waste into vermicompost across five districts, training 27 farmers in traditional techniques. She also highlighted how youth are driving sustainability even in remote valleys where internet signals fade faster than daylight.

 

BANGLADESH

On 12 August 2025, the WFF Bangladesh Youth Chapter marked International Youth Day with a  virtual panel discussion that brought together over 40 participants under the theme “Youth Actions for a Sustainable Tomorrow”. The event highlighted the creativity and resilience of young leaders driving change in Bangladesh’s agrifood systems.

Speakers shared powerful stories: from youth-led digital “plant doctor” clinics helping rural farmers, to climate action in vulnerable coastal regions and entrepreneurial innovations like biodegradable toothbrushes embedded with seeds. Each intervention showcased how young people are finding fresh solutions to pressing challenges such as climate resilience, food security and sustainable farming.

The session concluded with the announcement of S. M. Riaz-us Saleheen as the new National Youth Chapter Leader, signaling a new chapter of youth leadership. The discussion left participants energized and inspired, reaffirming the role of Bangladeshi youth as innovators, entrepreneurs and advocates for a more sustainable food future.

BHUTAN

The WFF Bhutan Youth Chapter marked its first anniversary in 2025 with a vibrant celebration that brought together over 60 young leaders, students and entrepreneurs from across the country. The event was a platform to reflect on the Chapter’s remarkable achievements, ignite dialogue on pressing national challenges, and chart a forward-looking path for youth-led action in Bhutan’s agrifood sector and beyond. Graced by His Excellency Younten Phuntsho, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, and supported by FAO and the WFF, the day highlighted the critical role of youth creativity, leadership and genuine partnership with institutions. From a digital agriculture hackathon celebrating innovative solutions like those developed by Agro Connect and Green Chain AI, to inspiring sessions on creativity and sustainability, the event showcased the potential of Bhutanese youth to transform ideas into tangible impact.

A keynote address, interactive panel discussions and hands-on SDG Card Game Training underscored the theme that youth are not just future leaders: they are leaders today. The presentation of the Joint Youth Declaration, recognition of “Champions of Youth Empowerment”, and high-level commitments from government and private partners reinforced a shared vision: Bhutan’s young people are ready, empowered and determined to shape a sustainable, prosperous future.

 

CAMBODIA

On 12 August 2025, over 40 young leaders from universities and institutions across Cambodia came together virtually for the first-ever WFF national consultation, marking International Youth Day with a shared vision for a sustainable agrifood future. The consultation sparked lively discussions as participants explored how a WFF National Youth Chapter could unite Cambodian youth, amplify their voices and drive local innovations in agriculture and food systems.

During the interactive question and answer session, young participants shared ideas on capacitybuilding, access to technology, rural inclusion and stronger collaboration between youth, government and international partners. The session ended on an energized note, with participants brimming with ideas and determination, ready to transform their shared vision into action and lead Cambodia toward a more resilient and sustainable agrifood future.

CHINA

On 12 August 2025, Shanghai hosted the opening of the Youth Action on Green Agri-Heritage: Global Cultural Symbiosis event, coinciding with International Youth Day. The initiative connects China’s agricultural heritage with global youth-driven innovation through field visits, co-creation camps, roundtable dialogues and visual arts workshops led by international mentors. Approximately 80 participants attended, including government officials, representatives from consulates and other international organizations based in Shanghai, expert mentors, and youth delegates from China, Laos, Mongolia and 11 other countries, as well as representatives from the media.

The WFF China Youth Chapter and the China Internet Information Center officially launched the Youth Action on Green Agri-Heritage: Global Cultural Symbiosis program with the goal of establishing a series of activities focused on cultural exchange and mutual learning pertaining to Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems and fostering multi-stakeholder engagement from UN agencies, agricultural departments from multiple countries, media, authoritative experts, public figures and youth participants. The initiative will unfold through exchanges and video releases showcasing youth-driven innovations related to agricultural heritage, with activities held in Shanghai, China; Jeju Island, South Korea; Vientiane, Laos; and Rome, Italy.

A key feature was international collaboration, particularly with Laos and Mongolia. Youth delegates from these countries participated in field visits –to places such as the Jinshan Peento Peach Cultivation System and the Laos Economic and Trade Cooperation Expo –where they explored sustainable agricultural practices, green trade and cultural heritage exchange. These interactions fostered crossborder dialogue, youth innovation and practical cooperation for agricultural heritage conservation. Approximately 80 participants attended, including government officials, representatives from consulates and other international organizations based in Shanghai, expert mentors, and youth delegates from Laos, Mongolia and 11 other countries, as well as representatives from the media.

As a key part of the event, young representatives from various countries visited the Laos Economic and Trade Cooperation Expo in Yangpu District, where they explored displays of Lao specialty agricultural products and achievements in green agriculture, gaining first-hand insight into China–Laos exchanges and cooperation in the conservation of agricultural heritage and sustainable development.

NEPAL

In August 2025, youth across Nepal took center stage to celebrate International Youth Day with a week of energy, innovation and action. From the lush fields of Koshi to the vibrant streets of Madhesh, and from the green schools of Gandaki to the permaculture farms of Karnali, young people led the way in exploring how local actions can drive global change. Each province offered a unique perspective: workshops on safe food and pesticide use, exhibitions celebrating local food culture, tree planting and environmental pledges, and hands-on experiences in sustainable farming.

The week culminated in Kathmandu with a one-of-a-kind artificial intelligence (AI) hackathon, where young innovators harnessed AI to tackle challenges in food systems, climate resilience and community wellbeing. Participants learned the essentials of AI, ethical practices, and multimedia storytelling before presenting creative solutions that reflected both technical skill and social responsibility.

 

Across all seven provinces, the celebrations highlighted youth voices, creativity and leadership, showing how the next generation is ready to take meaningful action for sustainable agrifood systems, climate resilience and a better future. By connecting local initiatives to global goals, the WFF Nepal Youth Chapter proved that change starts at home, and with the ideas of young people, it can reach the world.

2.3 EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA

In a powerful display of cross-border solidarity, young leaders from across Europe came together today for a landmark webinar titled “Stronger Together: Sharing Good Practices Across European Youth Chapters”. Moderated by Carlo Dernini from the WFF Italy Youth Chapter, the event showcased how national youth networks are driving tangible change in agrifood systems, from policy advocacy to grassroots innovation, while laying the groundwork for deeper continental collaboration.

The dialogue opened with a stirring reminder from Andras Kovaloczy, Junior Technical Officer of Rural Development, Family Farming and Youth for FAO’s Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia: “Young people are not merely stakeholders in our food systems, but they are the architects of their transformation”. Highlighting the recent Regional Rural Youth Forum, which brought together participants from over 20 countries, he emphasized how such platforms empower youth to shape policies directly. Sabin Lamichhane, Head of the WFF Local Youth Action Team, built on this momentum, urging participants to “treat every day as Youth Day” by embedding youth leadership in agrifood systems at all levels.

The heart of the event pulsed with stories of national impact. WFF Ireland Youth Chapter representative Caitlin Breen detailed how the Chapter’s commitment to “bringing every voice to the table” has reshaped the country’s food policy landscape. By uniting farmers, researchers and climate activists through interactive summits and policy workshops, the Irish Youth Chapter has not only influenced the national Food Vision 2030 framework but has also redefined how youth engage with agriculture. “We don’t just talk about agrifood systems, we build them”, Breen asserted, citing the Chapter’s rapid growth from a small delegation to a 500-person strong national movement.

WFF Italy Youth Chapter representative Francesca Antonucci unveiled her Chapter’s groundbreaking work on gender equity, framing it as a linchpin of food justice. “When women thrive, agrifood systems thrive,” she said, presenting an upcoming empowerment toolkit designed to bridge gaps for rural women in agrifood careers. The toolkit, set to debut at the 2025 WFF flagship event in October, merges practical resources with intergenerational mentorship, a model already gaining traction as Italy pilots global gender recommendations ahead of the 2026 International Year of Women Farmers.

Meanwhile, Mario González, Head of Partnerships and Advocacy for the WFF Spain Youth Chapter, offered a masterclass in grassroots mobilization. His Chapter’s inaugural Youth Food Forum in León, organized with university partners rather than ministerial backing, proved that “impact starts with local trust”. Now, their Living Case Study Book project aims to spotlight youth-led innovations across Spain, from sustainable school cafeterias to cultural initiatives reviving traditional foodways through music. “We are showing that agrifood systems are not just about production – they are about identity”, González said.

The webinar also highlighted the rise of fresh forces in Europe’s youth movement. Louise Vitré, representative of France’s upcoming Youth Chapter, introduced Mouvement Agrimentaire Pour Demain, a collective born from student and farmer collaboration. With projects ranging from a documentary on agricultural labor rights to a September festival at the Sorbonne, the movement is channeling youthful energy and creativity into reimagining fairer, more sustainable agrifood systems.

Hungary’s upcoming Youth Chapter representative, Ezinne Sarah Otisi, shared her Chapter’s ambitious development strategy, which includes pioneering research on national agrifood policies and a webinar series linking youth to the circular economy. “We may be small now, but we’re planting seeds for a harvest that will feed generations”, Otisi said.

 

SWITZERLAND

As a celebration of International Youth Day and in anticipation of the launch of the upcoming Switzerland Youth Chapter, the FAO Liaison Office in Geneva shared a series of posts on its social media channels, highlighting the vital role of youth in shaping sustainable agrifood systems. The first post spotlighted key findings from the Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems report, emphasizing how young people are driving global progress toward resilient and sustainable food systems. The second and third posts focused on youth engagement at the local level in Switzerland, showcasing events such as Feeding the Planet by 2050 and the Switzerland Youth Chapter Consultation Workshop. Featuring photos and stories from these gatherings, the posts highlighted youth-led initiatives, celebrated local changemakers, and underscored the critical contributions of young people in advancing FAO’s mission and fostering global food security.

UZBEKISTAN

In celebration of International Youth Day on 12 August 2025, the upcoming WFF National Youth Chapter in Uzbekistan held its kickoff meeting at the Shake and Pear Business Centre in Tashkent in a hybrid format. Jointly supported by the FAO Uzbekistan Office and the Youth Affairs Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the event introduced the Youth Chapter concept and launched a consultative dialogue with over 25 young professionals, students and sectoral experts, including representatives from government, youth organizations, volunteer initiatives, young agri-entrepreneurs and international development partners.

The meeting focused on presenting the upcoming Chapter’s vision and goals, collecting feedback from youth, fostering collaboration among institutions, and highlighting FAO youth-focused projects and capacity-building opportunities. Senior officials from FAO and the Youth Affairs Agency welcomed participants and underscored the importance of youth engagement in shaping sustainable agrifood systems.

As a next step, more young people and student groups will be engaged to prepare a draft concept note incorporating the insights gathered. This kickoff marked a key step toward institutionalizing youth participation in Uzbekistan’s agricultural transformation, positioning the country to harness the creativity, energy and innovation of its youth to address agricultural and rural development challenges sustainably.

2.4 LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

The vibrant energy of Latin America and the Caribbean’s agrifood transformation came to life during the regional webinar on 12 August 2025, marking International Youth Day. Young leaders, National Youth Chapter representatives, and institutional partners came together to exchange experiences, connect initiatives, and reaffirm the central role of youth in building more sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems.

 

From Honduras, Sara Marina Martínez showcased efforts to mainstream youth priorities into national plans, projects and policies, highlighting initiatives such as school gardens, rural youth field schools and UN Peacebuilding Fund–supported tech stations. These projects have spurred innovation, rural entrepreneurship and active youth engagement in decision-making spaces.

Representing the WFF Ecuador Youth Chapter Jaime Mendoza detailed how their Chapter has built an intersectoral network to influence public policy; tackling food loss and waste, creating a youth food agenda with seven strategic pillars, and launching initiatives such as young producers’ fairs, climate observatories and rural–urban exchange programs.

From Guatemala´s upcoming Youth Chapter, Sádrac Cifuentes shared how their team became the first Chapter in the region to organize a national dialogue in the lead-up to the Summit of the Americas. Under the theme “Resilient Youth: Innovation and Action”, they are mobilizing national and international actors to ensure youth voices on climate change and food insecurity shape high-level decision-making spaces.

Closing the panel, Matías Sotomayor from the Front Against Hunger in PARLASUR stressed the importance of parliamentary alliances to turn youth proposals into laws, public policies and sustainable budgets. He called for grounding initiatives in local realities while fostering intercontinental cooperation between youth to strengthen food security and sovereignty, with gender and climate perspectives at the core.

In the open floor session, participants from across the region emphasized technology, human rights, education, and the links between climate change and food systems as key drivers. Proposals from Brazil, Colombia and Argentina called for integrating innovation, inclusive policies, and early education on nutrition and agriculture.

The message was clear: for Latin America and the Caribbean’s youth, unity in diversity and coordinated action will be the driving force behind the region’s next agrifood revolution.

 

CHILE

On International Youth Day 2025, Chile officially joined the global WFF youth movement with the launch of its National Youth Chapter in Ñuble during the seminar “Rural Youth for the Future of the Countryside: Innovation, Territory and Public Action”. The seminar was part of the III National Meeting of Rural Youth, which gathered more than 120 young participants from across the country.

The establishment of the Chapter was made possible thanks to the support and facilitation of the FAO Chile Country Office, in close collaboration with the FAO Office of Youth and Women, as a direct outcome of the Office’s mission  to connect and empower young leaders in sustainable food systems. Organized with the Institute for Agricultural Development Chile,  the National Youth Institute, the Ministry of Social Development and Family and the Regional Government of Ñuble, the event showcased the youth-led exchange of experiences, intergenerational dialogue and proposals for territorial public policy. The Chapter will continue expanding its reach in September, strengthening young people’s role in building a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.

 

COLOMBIA

On 12 August 2025, young leaders from across Colombia came together for a virtual Youth Café, hosted by the WFF Colombia Youth Chapter, to explore how they can transform the country’s agrifood systems. Using the World Café methodology, participants, from urban neighborhoods in Cali to rural communities in Tolima, Caquetá and Sucre, shared experiences, challenges and innovative ideas to build fair, healthy and sustainable food systems. Discussions highlighted barriers such as limited access to land, markets and technology, while emphasizing youth-driven, community-rooted solutions that strengthen local food sovereignty and collective action across Colombia.

Participants reflected on the opportunities within their territories, from fertile lands and diverse crops to strong community networks, and shared strategies for amplifying youth voices in decision-making. The conversation underscored the need for greater coordination, intergenerational dialogue and policies that support young people, and especially women, in leading sustainable initiatives. The Café demonstrated the power of youth collaboration and knowledge exchange as a driving force for transforming Colombia’s agrifood systems from the ground up.

ECUADOR

The WFF Ecuador Youth Chapter co-organized the youth meeting “Together for a Living Planet: Food Sovereignty and Climate Change” at the Escuela Politécnica Nacional in Quito, bringing together young community leaders, collectives and civil society organizations. The event created a space for dialogue, collaboration and innovation, highlighting Indigenous worldviews and emphasizing youthled action on climate change, food sovereignty and sustainable solutions. Panels addressed agrobiodiversity, climate action, COP updates, and youth entrepreneurship, while thematic working groups and a youth entrepreneurship fair allowed participants to share ideas, showcase initiatives and co-create strategies for resilient agrifood systems. The discussions culminated in a youth declaration consolidating proposals and commitments to be presented nationally and internationally. The Chapter’s active role demonstrates its dedication to youth-led initiatives for youth, fostering social innovation, political advocacy and sustainable development. This meeting reinforced the Chapter’s strategic position in building alliances and empowering young people as essential actors in shaping a just, inclusive and sustainable Ecuador.

GUATEMALA

The upcoming WFF Youth Chapter in Guatemala convened its first national youth dialogue on food security and climate change in preparation for the Summit of the Americas. The session brought together 51 participants from diverse organizations and regions, creating a vibrant space for knowledge exchange and youth perspectives. Two international panelists joined: Alex Herrera, the youth focal point from FAO’s subregional office in Panama, who shared insights on the regional impacts of climate change, and Mariana Moncada from The WFF Young Scientists Group, who highlighted pressing challenges in food insecurity with striking data.

Discussions focused on climate change and food security, identifying local challenges – from natural disasters and water scarcity to poverty and malnutrition – and co-creating solutions. Participants proposed initiatives such as school gardens, reforestation, aquaculture and hydroponics projects, waste management improvements, training programs and stronger local alliances, reflecting the innovative ideas of Guatemalan youth.

The dialogue’s outcomes will feed into a youth statement to be presented to Member States of the the Organization of American States in December, amplifying youth priorities and solutions. This milestone reflects the ongoing collaboration between the WFF Youth Initiative and the Young Americas Business Trust, empowering young leaders to shape policy and drive transformative action on food security and climate resilience across the region.

2.5 NORTH AMERICA

CANADA

The WFF officially launched its first North America National Youth Chapter, the Ontario Provincial Youth Chapter in Canada, with a reception at Food Hall Toronto on International Youth Day.

The event brought together dozens of youth, community members, and local and national leaders, including the Director of the FAO Office of Youth and Women, Kazuki Kitaoka. The event featured inspiring remarks from local and national leaders, alongside experts in food security. Chapter President Kowmitha Khamonde shared the vision of the Ontario Youth Chapter and emphasized that “beyond nourishing ourselves… food is also power… a lot of people around the world, they do not have that power”. She also stressed that the chapter is not only an advocate for sustainable agrifood systems but also a platform for youth leadership: “What this chapter is going to do is go out into the community and say, come to the table with us… let’s talk about food systems… but let’s also talk about you”.

Suman Roy, Chief Executive Officerof the Chapter’s partner organization the Scarborough Food Security Initiative, which is part of the global coalition the Zero Hunger Project, also shared encouraging words at the launch. The reception kicked off a week of engaging activities, including a farm tour, educational learning series, a hands-on farm workshop and a visit to the Ontario Food Terminal. As the first Provincial Chapter in Canada, this initiative represents the starting point for building a National Youth Chapter, creating opportunities for youth-led teams across the country to collaborate, innovate and strengthen their role in shaping sustainable agrifood systems.

 

2.6 THE NEAR EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

On 12 August, youth leaders from across the Near East and North Africa gathered online to celebrate International Youth Day and share milestones from the region’s newest WFF National Chapters. Launched in 2024 in Egypt, Mauritania and Qatar, these Chapters have quickly become dynamic platforms for amplifying youth voices in agrifood system policies, programmes and initiatives.

Moderated by Karim Amin, the session opened with remarks from Achouak Lafhal, from the World Food Forum Youth Initiative team, who underscored the vital role of young people in the Near East and North Africa in driving agrifood systems transformation.

From Egypt, Ammar Mohamed and Mariam Abdelhady highlighted the Chapter’s collaborative work to unite student groups, agricultural innovators and civil society around sustainable production and nutrition education. Their initiatives include national awareness campaigns, urban agriculture projects and partnerships with local government to support youth-led agrifood startups.

From Mauritania, Almamy Diagana showcased the grassroots approach of the National Youth Network on Food and Agriculture, which brings together rural youth associations, women’s cooperatives and agri-tech innovators. The Network’s projects tackle post-harvest losses, promote Indigenous crops and train young farmers in climate adaptation techniques.

The open discussion that followed revealed common challenges across the region: limited access to funding, the need for stronger policy linkages and the importance of continuous mentorship. Participants also shared solutions, from establishing regional peer networks to developing bilingual training materials in Arabic and French.

The session closed with a shared vision: to strengthen the youth movement in the Near East and North Africa by building more WFF National Youth Chapters, deepening collaboration with governments and international partners, and ensuring young people are at the forefront of shaping a resilient, inclusive and sustainable food future for the region.

EGYPT

In August 2025, Egypt’s Youth Centres came alive with energy, creativity and healthy competition as the FAO Regional Office for NENA and the Ministry of Youth and Sports launched a nutrition awareness campaign through newly established AgriClubs. Kicking off in Belbeis and moving through Farafra to Manfalut, the campaign brought together around 200 youth, including young professional athletes, to explore how food shapes their bodies, minds and the planet. Developed by the passionate youth of the WFF Egypt Youth Chapter in collaboration with Food and Agriculture Model volunteers, the campaign transforms learning into action, blending online sessions, social media buzz and handson experiences that make nutrition exciting, personal and impactful.

From cooking up nutritious plates in Belbeis to a quiz showdown inspired by the hit TV show The Genius – Al Abaqera in Farafra and an inspiring panel with a sports star in Manfalut, the campaign is designed to spark curiosity and ambition. Beyond the events, local Healthy Nutrition Champions will carry the momentum forward, ensuring that youth continue to lead, share knowledge and transform their communities through healthy, sustainable food choices. This is not just a campaign; it is a movement where young people take center stage in shaping their health, their future and Egypt’s agrifood systems.

 

MAURITANIA

In Garack, Rosso, young farmers have been learning how to grow food in smarter, more sustainable ways thanks to the Farmer Field Schools project, supported by the Peacebuilding Fund. On 12 August 2025, these efforts came to life at a one-day Agroecology Workshop, organized by the Mauritanian Youth in Agriculture Network and the WFF Mauritania Youth Chapter. The event was a lively gathering where youth from different villages came together to share experiences, swap tips and inspire each other with their successes in eco-friendly farming.

Around 50 young farmers, community leaders and project partners participated, turning the day into a hub of learning and collaboration. Through group activities, panel discussions and hands-on storytelling, participants exchanged practical solutions for sustainable agriculture, celebrated their achievements and built new connections. The workshop highlighted the creativity, energy and determination of Mauritania’s youth, showing how they are taking the lead in shaping a greener, more resilient future for their communities.

MOROCCO

On 14 August 2025, the upcoming WFF Morocco Youth Chapter team met in person with the FAO Country Office in Morocco to formally introduce the upcoming Chapter, sharing its vision, planned activities and opportunities for collaboration. The discussion focused on aligning the Chapter’s goals with ongoing national and UN initiatives, fostering synergies that can strengthen youth engagement in sustainable agrifood systems.

The Country Office warmly welcomed the initiative and expressed strong support for the Chapter’s development. They also committed to connecting the youth team with other UN entities and relevant Moroccan ministries, paving the way for future partnerships and broader impact across the country.