Empowering Tomorrow’s Leader: The Role of Youth in Agrifood Systems Transformation

Recognizing the pivotal role of youth, the Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized a webinar in collaboration with the  Office of Youth and Women (OYW) on 11 July. This event aimed to harness the potential of youth to transform agrifood systems in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The webinar also aligned with the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031, which emphasizes the transformation towards more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

The webinar, moderated by the NSP's Special Coordinator, Yurdi Yasmi, , underscored the significant contributions and challenges faced by young leaders in agriculture. The active involvement of youth – who bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and adeptness with modern technologies - is crucial to the future of agrifood systems.

Benjamin Davis, Director of the FAO Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division, emphasized the urgent need to accelerate efforts across all fronts to achieve the SDGs. She highlighted that youth are not just future leaders but are already leading today. Despite facing barriers such as limited access to resources and employment opportunities, youth are driving innovation and change within agrifood systems. Davis cited successful initiatives that have empowered young farmers and agripreneurs to adopt sustainable practices and technologies.

Jong-Jin Kim, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Asia and the Pacific Region (RAP), focused on the region's significant youth population and the opportunities and challenges it presents. Kim noted that while the youth population can drive economic growth and help achieve SDGs, challenges such as a lack of interest in traditional agriculture and limited access to resources must be addressed. He underscored the importance of engaging youth in developing digital ecosystems and transforming science and technology into practical tools for agriculture.

Kazuki Kitaoka, Global Coordinator of the World Food Forum, delivered an insightful presentation on the critical role youth play in transforming agrifood systems. He began by emphasizing the importance of actively engaging youth in discussions and decisions about their future, rather than merely talking about them. Kitaoka stressed the need to attract youth back to rural areas and to careers in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and the entire value chain. He also noted that young people’s access to modern technologies and innovations is vital for creating sustainable agricultural practices.

Kitaoka shared examples of FAO's efforts to empower youth, such as the World Food Forum (WFF) and training programmes for young agrifood systems leaders. These initiatives provide platforms for youth to showcase their innovations and engage in meaningful dialogues about food security and sustainable agriculture. He concluded by urging systematic engagement with youth in all stages of agricultural policy and programme development, ensuring they are active participants in building resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for the future.

Janetta Carlucci, FAO Social Policy Officer (Youth Employment) of the Regional Office for Africa (RAF), presented case studies demonstrating the positive impact of youth-led agricultural projects in the region. These projects showcase how young agripreneurs are using innovative approaches to improve productivity and sustainability in agriculture.

Marzio Devalle, Senior Manager of the Cluster Organization Southeast Europe and Turkey of Lely, discussed the Digital Villages Initiative, which aims to bridge the digital divide in rural areas by providing young farmers with access to digital tools and resources. This initiative highlights the critical role of technology in modernizing agrifood systems and creating new opportunities for youth in agriculture.

Laetania Belai Djandam, Indigenous Environmental Activist of the Dayak Tribe of Borneo Island, Indonesia, highlighted the importance of Indigenous knowledge systems in guiding the future of agrifood systems. Djandam emphasized that Indigenous youth play a critical role in preserving and sharing traditional agricultural knowledge, adapting modern techniques and building community resilience. She called for collective efforts to decolonize and dismantle systemic oppression and marginalization of Indigenous peoples, ensuring their active participation and leadership in agricultural transformation.

Mayling Flores Rojas, FAO Agricultural Engineer, underscored the importance of youth leadership in agricultural mechanization. Rojas presented examples of how young leaders are driving technological innovation in agriculture, improving efficiency and creating sustainable livelihoods.

The webinar concluded with Abebe Haile Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative of the Africa Region (RAF), stressing the need for intergenerational, cross-sectoral and international cooperation to achieve a sustainable and inclusive future for agrifood systems.

In summary, the webinar highlighted the critical role of youth in transforming agrifood systems. By investing in and empowering young leaders, fostering innovation and ensuring inclusive participation, we can create a more sustainable, resilient and equitable future for all.