Voices for change: Youth-led governance for urban agrifood systems transformation

During the 2025 World Food Forum (WFF) flagship event, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) hosted an engaging youth side event titled “Voices for change: youth-led governance for urban agrifood systems transformation”, bringing together youth leaders, policymakers and experts to discuss the inclusion of young people in urban agrifood governance.

The event, which took place on 15 October, aimed to reinforce the role of young people as drivers of urban agrifood systems innovation and sustainable development, promoting empowerment and collaboration.

The session opened with remarks from Karen Salazar, Nutrition Project Coordinator at GlobalRise, who emphasized the need to move beyond tokenism by establishing youth constituencies within government structures and providing platforms for meaningful engagement. She highlighted that youth inclusion in policy and governance ensures diverse perspectives and effective solutions in agrifood systems.

This was followed by presentations from Ana Puhac, Urban Food Systems Specialist at FAO, and Bwalya Funga, Senior Community Development Officer at Lusaka City Council, who underscored that youth, particularly in Africa, are central actors in shaping agrifood systems and urban governance. They highlighted challenges such as the low status of agricultural work, limited access to resources and the impacts of climate change, while also emphasizing the innovative potential of youth equipped with digital skills and leadership opportunities.

Other key themes highlighted by speakers included youth representation in policymaking, participatory governance and urban-led agri-food innovation. Case studies were shared from Lusaka, Senegal, Kenya and Cape Town, demonstrating how youth councils or programmes like OYA can empower young people to contribute meaningfully to agrifood systems transformation.

Participants engaged in discussions on practical strategies for integrating youth voices at all governance levels, from local urban spaces to national and international decision-making. The discussion also emphasized that intergenerational cooperation and structured, institutionalized networks are essential to ensure sustainable impact and legitimacy.

The event concluded with reflections on the critical role of youth in transforming urban food systems, highlighting that inclusive governance and cross-sector collaboration are necessary to create resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. Participants left with a clear message: empowering young people is essential for shaping the future.