Madam Phillipa Mensah, the Director for Women, Gender, and Social Protection at the World Food Forum (WFF) Ghana Chapter, has called for the urgent need for stronger partnerships and innovative funding mechanisms to sustain youth-led agricultural initiatives across the world.
She made this call during a high-level side event themed “Unlocking Funding for National Chapters,” hosted by WFF Indonesia in collaboration with Ghana, Nepal, Australia, Bhutan, and the Philippines, as part of the 2025 World Food Forum Flagship Event held in Rome, Italy.
Delivering the closing remarks, she stressed the importance of consistent and predictable financial support for national chapters to implement long-term, sustainable agrifood programs. She noted that, despite operating in different socio-economic and political contexts, many chapters face similar challenges — including limited access to funding, inconsistent donor engagement, weak institutional partnerships, and capacity gaps that hinder progress.
According to the Director for Women, Gender, and Social Protection at the World Food Forum (WFF) Ghana Chapter, addressing these barriers demands a paradigm shift from traditional donor dependency toward diversified and innovative financing models that engage the private sector, local communities, and digital fundraising platforms.
“From our discussions, it is evident that many chapters face similar funding hurdles, However, through innovation, transparency, and strategic partnerships, we can build sustainable systems that keep our chapters vibrant, active, and impactful. Collaboration must remain at the center of our mission. ”she added
Madam Mensah , emphasized that sustainable funding is not only crucial for program continuity but also enhances the credibility, influence, and long-term impact of youth-led agricultural movements. Well-resourced national chapters, she added, are better positioned to drive food systems dialogues, influence agricultural policy reforms, and create employment opportunities for rural youth and women.
She applauded participants for their strong engagement and commitment throughout the session, describing the event as “a powerful demonstration of what young people can achieve when united by a shared vision.”
she concluded that with continued collaboration, innovation, and accountability, youth-led agricultural movements across the globe can mobilize the resources needed to drive transformative, inclusive, and lasting change within global food systems.
The side event concluded with a joint resolution by participating chapters to develop collaborative fundraising toolkits, increase visibility for youth-led agricultural projects, and strengthen partnerships with international donors and development agencies.
The discussion reaffirmed WFF’s global commitment to empowering young leaders in agriculture, fostering innovation, and building financial resilience within global food systems. Participants explored how enhanced collaboration, cross-sector partnerships, and digital innovation can revolutionize funding approaches and expand the scale and impact of youth-led initiatives.
