Empowering change: WFF at the SDG Action Weekend

In anticipation of the SDG summit and New York Climate Week, on 16 and 17 September, the World Food Forum (WFF) actively participated in the SDG Action Weekend in New York, passionately advocating for youth empowerment and collaborative efforts to foster sustainable and resilient agrifood systems transformation.

WFF proudly served as one of the key organizing partners of the side event “One World, Shared Goals: Collaborative Actions for SDG Implementation”. In collaboration with esteemed partners, including the Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Nations in New York, the Planning Institute of Jamaica, HH MSII SDG Challenge, UNESCO IESALC, UN MGCY, the Danish UN Youth Delegation, Future Perspectives, the German UN Youth Delegation, the Global Student Forum, the Global Youth Biodiversity Network, One Million Teachers, UNESCO SDG4 Youth and Student Network, Save the Children, the Stakeholder Group of Persons with Disabilities and the Millennials Movement, we set the stage for an impactful dialogue.

This event highlighted the pivotal role that partnerships play in translating ideals into action, underpinned by real-life stories of success. Distinguised speakers illuminated successful initiatives forged through past and present collaborations, while speaking about future partnership endeavors that will propel us towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

The side event featured renowned speakers, including the German Minister of State, Ms. Sarah Ryglweski, and the esteemed UNESCO ADG, Ms. Stefania Giannini, alongside a cadre of young advocates and changemakers. WFF Youth Policy Board (YPB) member, Ms. Shreyaa Venkat, also took center stage, emphasizing the vital role of partnerships through the lens of agrifood systems. She articulated “To achieve a comprehensive systemic change, we need to prioritize underrepresented groups in decision-making and guarantee inclusive engagement throughout the policy process”. She also shared her involvement in the newly launched WFF Food Waste Initiative Campaign, illustrating how partnerships can catalyze capacity building and knowledge dissemination.

Additionally, our YPB members for North America, Shreyaa Venkat and Audrey Wong, actively engaged in meaningful discussions and idea exchanges in events with numerous young changemakers, influencers and delegates, as well as with the Chief Economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Mr. Maximo Torero.

This is just the beginning. The World Food Forum’s dedication to youth advocacy within the realm of agrifood systems transformation will continue in the lead up to the WFF flagship event and beyond.

We look forward to reconnecting with all of you at the flagship event from 16 – 20 October. Together, we will continue to shape a brighter future!