FAO Indonesia Hosts Inaugural Meeting with WFF Indonesia National Chapter Board Members

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Indonesia welcomed two key board members from the World Food Forum (WFF) Indonesia National Chapter. This visit marks a significant milestone as the first meeting and a major step towards fostering collaboration aimed at enhancing the engagement of youth in addressing the challenges faced by Indonesia's agrifood systems.

Rizka Afif Muhammad and Dibyana Galih Praksita, two board members of the Indonesia National Chapter, visited FAO Indonesia country office, where they were engaged in a productive discussion with Rajendra Aryal, FAO Representative in Indonesia and Timor-Leste, and Prita Laura, Special Advisor to the Executive Office of the President and National Programme Coordinator of FAO-executed TCP project on regeneration of young farmers in Indonesia. The meeting, conducted in a hybrid format, was also attended online by other WFF National Chapter board members in other parts of the country, ensuring broad participation and inputs from various regions.

This important meeting focused on several critical topics, such as preparation for the official launch of the National Chapter, participation in the upcoming flagship event, and the pressing issue of farmers' regeneration in Indonesia as a matter of critical importance for the future of Indonesia's agrifood systems.

"By empowering youth, we can tap into their innovative ideas and energy to build sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. FAO is committed to creating an enabling environment that allows the inclusive participation of youth more in the critical area of farmer regeneration", stated Rajendra Aryal, also welcoming the visit.

"Fresh perspectives and enthusiasm from the youth in general, as emulated by WFF Indonesia National Chapter, are key factors fueling innovation in the sustenance of long-term food security within our communities. Involvement of youth is essential for the future of Indonesia's agricultural sector", expressed Prita Laura.

The WFF Indonesia National Chapter is set to be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, and unique with its board members representing a wide age range of backgrounds and geographical areas; which reflects the vision of the Chapter. This is expected to be a dynamic platform for collaboration and growth of youth stakeholders toward driving sustainable Indonesian agrifood systems.

Looking ahead, the National Chapter has outlined plans to engage a broader community in preparation for the flagship event in Rome that will take place in October. These plans also include a unique combination of art-based workshops and seminars for the International Day of Food Loss and Waste and a satellite event, scheduled for October, in collaboration with university students across the country.