WFF Youth Initiative launches National Youth Chapter in Peru

The World Food Forum (WFF)’s Global Youth Action Initiative (Youth Initiative) is excited to share the successful launch of the WFF Peru Youth Chapter, marked by a dynamic hybrid event in Lima that brought together around 150 young people from across the country. The event gathered institutional representatives, youth organizations and emerging leaders committed to transforming agrifood systems in Peru.

The event featured a series of panel discussions centered on key areas of youth engagement, equipping participants with practical tools and insights to strengthen their roles as agents of sustainable change. These sessions were followed by a participatory workshop, where young people actively exchanged ideas, identified priority areas and reflected on the pressing challenges facing the country’s food security landscape.

Throughout the event, the energy and commitment of the young participants were evident. They actively shared their perspectives and personal experiences, while proposing innovative solutions to transform agrifood systems within their communities. Addressing issues ranging from climate change and food waste to educational access and gender equity, these young leaders demonstrated a nuanced understanding of the challenges they face and a clear determination to drive change. Their leadership was not only heard—it was acknowledged as essential to shaping more inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems in Peru.

The event was supported by the participation of key figures, including Mariana Escobar Arango, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative in Peru; Norah Edith Cárdenas Huerta, from the National Youth Secretariat (Senaju) and Valentina Giordano from the WFF Youth Initiative. Their participation reaffirmed strong institutional support for the youth in Peru and underscored the importance of creating inclusive spaces for young people to engage in the transformation of agrifood systems.

A key milestone of the event was the signing of the institutional commitment by these partners. This agreement formalized shared efforts to strengthen the Chapter as a representative and action-oriented platform.

The commitment includes:

• Supporting youth-led initiatives of the Chapter;
• Promoting inclusive participation of youth across all regions;
• Encouraging intergenerational dialogue and political advocacy;
• Strengthening networks for multisectoral collaboration; and
• Ensuring a gender-balanced and intercultural approach.

Norah Cárdenas, from Senaju, emphasized the impact of this initiative: “It is an unmissable opportunity that will have a positive impact in helping to improve food and nutritional security”. In a country with over 8 million young people, the majority of whom live in urban areas, this Chapter aims to become a catalyst for meaningful participation, advocacy and collective action.

The Chapter now stands as a self-managed, dynamic space open to all young people who want to be part of the change. More than just a coordination platform, it acts as a catalyst for local action with a global vision, empowering youth to transform agrifood systems.