WFF National Youth Chapter
Italy
About the WFF Italy Youth Chapter
The WFF Italy Youth Chapter is a youth-led platform dedicated to transforming agrifood systems in Italy. As part of the WFF Youth Initiative, the Chapter connects young people across the country to co-create more inclusive, sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.
Officially launched in October 2024, the Chapter held its first National Assembly in April 2025, where its leadership team was elected, and the Chapter's working structure was established.
Mission
The Chapter’s mission is to empower young people across Italy to take the lead in transforming agrifood systems. By fostering collaboration with institutions, civil society, academia and the private sector, the Chapter ensures youth voices drive change. It aims to create inclusive spaces where all young people - regardless of gender identity, background or region, actively shape the policies and practices that affect the future of food and agriculture.
The Chapter operates through thematic working groups led by youth members focused on key areas such as sustainability, education, policy, innovation and gender equality. These groups provide a space for collaboration, learning and youth-driven solutions that connect local action with global goals.
Key Objectives
- Empower young people to contribute meaningfully to agrifood systems through participation in forums, consultations and policy-making processes. Align national efforts with FAO's Strategic Framework, the outcomes of the United Nations Food Systems Summit and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
- Support national strategies by promoting sustainable agriculture and advancing gender equality in the agrifood sector.
- Foster innovation and partnerships by connecting academia, industry and civil society to drive youth-led research and solutions.
- Address national challenges including food waste, climate change, gender gaps and unequal access to food through inclusive and equitable action.
- Mobilize community action to implement tangible, local initiatives that strengthen sustainable agrifood systems and promote social equity.
Success Stories
- Youth Engagement and Membership Growth: since its launch in November 2024, the Chapter has successfully mobilized youth across the country, resulting in the addition of 294 new members. This expansion reflects the Chapter's effectiveness in uniting young individuals committed to transforming Italy's agrifood systems.
Initiatives
Thematic working groups
The Chapter has established nine thematic working groups focused on key areas including sustainability, education, policy, innovation and gender equality. These groups bring together youth representatives to collaborate on targeted actions and national engagement.
Capacity-building activities
Since its launch, the Chapter has engaged over 900 young people across Italy through workshops and educational events. These activities aim to build skills, raise awareness and strengthen youth leadership in agrifood systems transformation.
Participation in global fora
With support from the WFF Youth Initiative, the Chapter actively engages youth in global processes such as the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), the Conference of the Parties (COP) and the WFF flagship event.
Educational and cultural collaborations
The Chapter partners with cultural and academic institutions to co-host workshops, debates and film screenings that spark public dialogue and multidisciplinary reflection on food, sustainability and climate.
Participation at the WFF flagship event
The Chapter brings together youth by co-hosting a side event at the annual WFF flagship event. A platform to showcase its contributions in engaging Italian youth in agrifood systems transformation.
See also
An initiative of 