Engaging youth in agrifood system transformation: Young reporters at the WFF flagship  event

The World Food Forum (WFF)'s Global Youth Action initiative, hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), serves as a global platform to inspire and empower young people to transform agrifood systems and create a sustainable, hunger-free future for all. The 2024 WFF flagship event, held from 14 to 18 October at FAO headquarters in Rome and online, brought together youth leaders, policymakers and global experts under the theme “Good Food for All, for Today and Tomorrow”. With a focus on intergenerational dialogue, the event featured discussions and initiatives aimed at creating resilient and equitable agrifood systems.

The event revolves around three key pillars: Global Youth Action, Science and Innovation and Hand-in-Hand Investment. These pillars emphasize the essential role of young people in shaping food systems while fostering partnerships across policy, education, culture and investment. The WFF underscores how youth engagement can create innovative, inclusive solutions for global challenges like hunger, food security and environmental sustainability.

The Young Reporters Project

One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s flagship event was the Young Reporters Project, which gave aspiring journalists aged 16 - 18 the chance to gain hands-on experience in reporting and explore the fundamentals of journalism firsthand. Participants delved into critical topics surrounding agrifood systems and explored their global importance. The young reporters interviewed figures like the WFF Global Coordinator Kazuki Kitaoka and international delegates who shared how their countries contribute to the Forum. These interviews allowed high school students to explore the intersection of global cooperation and local action in improving agrifood systems. They learned how partnerships and innovation are essential for combating hunger and related issues, deepening their understanding of global food security.

The reporters engaged with diverse stakeholders, including startup founders, chefs and even professional basketball players, each of whom linked their passions to agrifood challenges. For example, chefs discussed the significance of organic ingredients, while Harlem Globetrotters emphasized healthy eating and waste reduction. Meanwhile, Youth Policy Board member Nada Zammel shared how witnessing discrimination against women in rural areas inspired her advocacy for human rights and climate justice.

Insights from key voices

Through interviews with young leaders, the reporters captured a wide range of perspectives on reshaping agrifood systems:

• Listya Saraswati, Head of Marketing and Communications at WFF, shared her inspiring journey as a leader breaking gender barriers. She emphasized confidence, adaptability and purpose as key traits for young leaders. Listya underscored the importance of storytelling in raising awareness and influencing policies, while calling for inclusive approaches to tackle gender inequities and agrifood system challenges.
• Ester Zakaryan, a youth representative from Armenia, highlighted significant barriers faced by young people entering the agricultural sector, such as limited access to land and capital. She called for policies and mentorship programs to support young farmers and transform agriculture into a field of innovation and opportunity.

Youth driving innovation and change

The young reporters reflected on the vital role youth play in transforming agrifood systems. They observed how young farmers and entrepreneurs are redefining agriculture as a high-tech, sustainable career, using tools like data analytics and precision agriculture to optimize irrigation, reduce waste and boost yields while minimizing environmental impact. They heard from agri-tech startups who are tackling challenges like food loss and inefficient distribution through innovations such as apps connecting farmers to consumers and new plant-based food products.

The reporters also learned about youth-led movements promoting agroecology and climate-friendly diets, influencing policies and holding leaders accountable for building resilient agrifood systems. The experience of reporting was both challenging and transformative, requiring research, thoughtful interviews and overcoming nerves - an effort supported by preparation and mentorship. Inspired by diverse voices, including chefs, athletes and policy advocates, the reporters discovered how personal passions can connect to global challenges, motivating them to explore their role in creating solutions. Through the event, they recognized the urgency of collective action and the need to engage and empower more youth in shaping a sustainable food future.

The experience left the young reporters determined to amplify youth voices in transforming agrifood systems. Reflecting on their journey, they shared:

"Youth are not just the future of agrifood systems; we are already making an impact. By driving change and sharing our stories, we hope to inspire others to take action and support policies that empower young people in agriculture. The future of global food systems depends on our active involvement". Emily Choi

Looking ahead, they plan to launch local projects addressing food security and malnutrition while raising awareness about the importance of nutrition for children’s development.

“We hope to first raise awareness of the importance of nutrients in the development of children, especially during their early stages, to explain why food shortages in parts of the world impact not only adults but also the growth of future generations. As we delve deeper into this issue, we aim to illuminate the significant power that youth possess in shaping the future. We believe that challenges such as food security not only hinder development but also stifle the potential impact that these generations can make”. - Emma Pasquadibisceglie

The students emphasized the need for opportunities like WFF to engage youth and equip them to lead a sustainable food future.

Authors:

• Andrea Forti
• Anson Koo
• Aurora Marini
• Chiara Puccio
• Emanuele Falzone
• Emily Choi
• Emma Pasquadibisceglie
• Filippo D'Adamo
• Flavia Persichini
• Francesco Giordano
• Klara Grochowska
• Lorenzo Catarella
• Luca Peana
• Matteo Contini
• Stefania Folino