WFF Egypt Youth Chapter: The launch marks turning point for regional agrifood systems transformation
On 15 May 2025, the World Food Forum (WFF)'s Global Youth Action Initiative (Youth Initiative), supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa and the FAO Country Office in Egypt, officially launched the WFF Egypt Youth Chapter. The event was held under the theme, “Egyptian youth at the helm of agrifood systems revolution”.
The launch of the Chapter took place at the Faculty of Desert Agriculture of King Salman International University (KSIU). The event brought together a distinguished group of attendees, including AbdulHakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa; Ola Adel, the Vice President of KSIU; Abdelghani Elgendi, the Dean of the Faculty of Desert Agriculture (KSIU); Youth Focal Points from both the FAO Regional Office and Country Office; and a delegation from the WFF Youth Initiative.
The launch highlighted Egypt’s growing commitment to youth-led action in transforming agrifood systems and emphasized the need to create inclusive spaces that enable youth participation in addressing food security and sustainability challenges. “Today is more than a milestone, it is a signal that Egyptian youth are ready to lead agrifood transformation”, said AbdulHakim Elwaer.
The WFF Youth Initiative delegation highlighted the importance of unifying and amplifying youth efforts by creating dedicated platforms like the WFF National Youth Chapters, which harness the passion and energy of youth to drive change.
The Chapter builds on the successful Food and Agriculture model (FA Model), previously implemented in the country through close collaboration between the FAO Country Office in Egypt and local universities. This model has proven effective in engaging students and young professionals in agrifood systems dialogue and action, and now provides a strong foundation for the Chapter to scale and institutionalize its impact.
The Chapter aims to deepen youth engagement in agrifood systems transformation through long-term, structured participation aligned with national priorities and global development goals. In a show of solidarity WFF National Youth Chapters from Ecuador, Ghana, Indonesia, Italy and Mauritania shared welcome videos to celebrate the Chapter's launch. These messages highlighted examples of how youth across the globe are mobilizing diverse communities and driving action to build more sustainable agrifood systems.
The launch of the Chapter marked a powerful moment of inspiration, underscoring the transformative potential of youth. By bridging policy, innovation and grassroots action, the event highlighted how Egypt's unique challenges can be met with youth-driven solutions.
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