WFF Prospective Brazil Youth Chapter at the Global Agribusiness Forum

The World Food Forum (WFF) prospective Brazil Youth Chapter took part in the 2025 Global Agribusiness Forum and Festival – Fair, Food, Fun, Forum (GAFFFF), held in São Paulo on 5 - 6 June. Prospective Chapter members Flávio Andrade, Julia Cristina Campos and Luciana Kliemann joined global experts, policymakers, youth leaders, artists and chefs from around the world to highlight Brazil’s agribusiness sector. The event focused on strengthening the rural-urban connection, advancing food security and promoting sustainable climate solutions.

The fair showcased over 100 startups and universities addressing environmental challenges with food production innovations. The forum featured discussions with political leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs and youth, focusing on public policy, access to credit and enhancing the socio-environmental agenda.

A key moment of the event was the signing of a manifesto, reinforcing a commitment to women’s inclusion in agribusiness entrepreneurship. Among the signatories was Sylvia Coutinho, former Country Head Brazil and Lead for Latin America at Union Bank of Switzerland Group who noted that this initiative brings visibility to the role of women in food production and emphasizes the importance of equity and leadership. This segment particularly resonated with the members of the prospective Chapter, aligning with their commitment to empowering young women in agrifood systems leadership.

The event also featured sessions that supported the prospective Chapter’s mission to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Chapter members attended a panel on regenerative agriculture, which included a compelling presentation by Denise Hills from the United Nations Global Compact for the Fight Against Hunger. She highlighted collaborative strategies to achieve SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

A pre - 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 30) discussion with Helder Barbalho, Governor of Pará, emphasized Brazil’s critical role in promoting sustainable production and positioning the country as a global leader in climate-resilient farming.

Prospective Chapter members engaged with youth organizations, universities and other stakeholders across topics including food production, climate and finance. These exchanges helped strengthen networks and expand the prospective Chapter’s visibility. They connected with members of Famasul Jovem, a youth leadership programme from Mato Grosso do Sul that empowers young rural producers through education and sustainability and met student leaders from institutions such as Harven, Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP) and the Nuffield International Farming Scholars, each focused on advancing agrifood systems transformation.

The members of the prospective Chapter left the event inspired to promote inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems. The event not only reinforced their alignment with global and national priorities, such as gender equity, climate action and youth empowerment, but also provided a platform to expand their networks. The insights and relationships gained at GAFFFF will directly inform the chapter's initiatives to end hunger and mitigate climate change.