WFF Guatemala Youth Chapter highlights youth-led innovation across agrifood systems

The World Food Forum (WFF) Guatemala Youth Chapter concluded its “Juventud Transformadora: ¡Aquí estamos, innovando los sistemas agroalimentarios!” initiative with an in-person event at the Embassy of Mexico in Guatemala, bringing together more than 70 participants to recognize the contributions of young people to agrifood systems across the country.

The initiative aimed to identify, recognize and share youth-led experiences from different territories and areas of agrifood systems. More than 20 initiatives were identified, working across areas including agricultural production, food processing, beekeeping, livestock farming, marketing and value addition. The selected initiatives were featured through a digital campaign, highlighting the young people behind them and the different ways they are contributing to agrifood systems. Nine initiatives were formally recognized, while other experiences identified through the initiative will continue to be shared.

The initiative was supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization Country Office in Guatemala and national partners, including, Fundación Esquipulas, Fundación Paz Global Centroamérica, Fundación Rigoberta Menchú Tum and the Embassy of Mexico in Guatemala.

The event provided a space for dialogue and exchange among young people and partner organizations. A panel on “Innovation and transformation in agrifood systems” discussed the importance of partnerships and opportunities that enable young people to strengthen their leadership, exchange knowledge and participate meaningfully in decision-making.

The experiences presented through the initiative showed hope young people are contributing to agrifood systems through food production, entrepreneurship, value addition and community-led action, while drawing on intergenerational knowledge and local cultures. By connecting youth from different territories, "Juventud Transformadora” created opportunities for collaboration and exchange and highlighted how youth-led action can strengthen local economies, preserve cultural knowledge and contribute to a more sustainable food future.