WFF Italy Youth Chapter holds its General Assembly

On 17 April the World Food Forum (WFF) Italy Youth Chapter held its General Assembly at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Italy coinciding with the 2025 cycle launch of the WFF’s Global Youth Action Initiative. Together these events marked a powerful day for youth engagement locally and globally. The Assembly gathered over 100 participants, both online and in-person, to present recent progress, hold elections for the new Executive Board and Administrative Secretariat and discuss the Chapter’s vision for the year ahead.

The Assembly began with a virtual message from special guest Antonella Polimeni, Dean of Sapienza University of Rome, as she praised the Chapter’s progress, stating, “Being a part of this network means strengthening your skills, relationships and contributing to the role of our country in building a fairer and more sustainable food future.... We are convinced that the energy and reflections of young people can have a real impact on major global challenges”.

This was followed by a message from Italy’s United Nations Youth Delegates, Chiara Gisinti and Andrea Granata, sent from the United Nations headquarters in New York during their participation at the ECOSOC Youth Forum, which encouraged participants to continue championing youth-led change. They emphasized “how crucial it is as youth advocates to be proactive in standing for our values and promoting a culture of collaboration and mediation”.

The session was facilitated by Chapter leaders Giacomo Marsoner, Vincenzo Nicolò and Giacomo Di Capua. Since October 2024, the Chapter has been highly active, establishing nine working groups and coordinating a series of workshops and activities that have engaged more than 900 young people. Advocacy, partnerships and fundraising strategies were presented for each working group.

Looking ahead, the new Executive Board and Administrative Secretariat will lead the implementation of action plans developed by the working groups. With a growing membership and upcoming plans to host a side-event at the 2025 WFF Flagship Event, the Chapter is well-positioned for an engaging year.

Are you a young changemaker inspired to join your peers in shaping the future of agrifood systems? Fill out the National Youth Chapter interest form here, and contact [email protected]