WFF Mauritius Youth Chapter launched to drive youth-led action for sustainable agrifood systems

The World Food Forum (WFF) Mauritius Youth Chapter was officially launched on 9 May 2026, strengthening youth participation in the country's agrifood systems.

The event was organized by the Grand River South East Youth Circle (GRSEYC) and the Chapter, in close collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Country Office in Mauritius. It brought together approximately 50 participants, including government officials, members of parliament, representatives of the missions, academics, civil society organizations, youth leaders, farmers and development partners.

The ceremony was opened by the Honourable Arvin Boolell, GOSK, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries. In his keynote address, he commended the leadership shown by GRSEYC and the Chapter, underlining the role of research, innovation and technology in strengthening national food security and building a more resilient agrifood sector.

The launch connected the country to the global WFF youth network and reflects its commitment as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) to advancing sustainable agrifood systems, food security, climate resilience and blue economy development through youth-led action.

Representatives of the Chapter described the launch as the beginning of a collective commitment by Mauritian youth to agrifood systems transformation. Drawing on experiences from the WFF flagship event held at FAO headquarters in Rome in October 2025, they emphasized the country's potential to contribute to this expanding global movement. They also highlighted ongoing national challenges, including food import dependency, climate change, agricultural resilience and the preservation of marine ecosystems, while recognizing young people as active drivers of innovation and sustainable change.

In a virtual address, Kazuki Kitaoka, Director of the FAO Office of Youth and Women, congratulated the organizing team and welcomed the establishment of the Chapter, highlighting the importance of creating institutional spaces that integrate youth perspectives into agrifood systems governance and sustainability efforts.

The Chapter's mandate and strategic roadmap were presented, outlining priority areas including sustainable waste management, composting, hydroponics, innovative farming methods, food waste valorization and mangrove restoration. The roadmap also highlighted growing international recognition of youth engagement from Mauritius within the global WFF youth network.

The event brought together representatives from development organizations, academia, environmental organizations and civil society, reflecting broad support for youth-led action in agrifood systems transformation. The launch strengthened institutional support and reinforced collaboration, including the formal establishment of the Chapter, greater visibility for youth-led initiatives and new opportunities for partnership, policy dialogue and capacity development.

Going forward, the Chapter plans to continue developing youth-led projects and partnerships focused on food security, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture and blue economy innovation, in collaboration with national institutions and international partners and in alignment with FAO's principles and national development priorities.