World Food Forum launches Qatar Youth Chapter: The first in the Near East and North Africa region

To mark a significant step forward in Qatar's commitment to empowering youth leadership in addressing the pressing food security and climate challenges in the country, the World Food Forum (WFF)'s Global Youth Action Initiative (Youth Initiative) in collaboration with the Department of Food Security at the Ministry of Municipality and the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), launched the WFF Qatar Youth Chapter, the first in the Near East and North Africa region.

The high-level launch of the Youth Chapter took place at the sidelines of the International Conference on Water and Food Security in the Face of Climate Change (WFCC), a global event held in Doha, Qatar on 4 and 5 February. The launch was marked by the symbolic exchange of certificates between Kazuki Kitaoka, Director of the Office of Youth and Women of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); Hamad Al Hajri, Deputy Director at the Department of Food Security, Ministry of Municipality, Qatar; Dr Salem Al-Naemi, President of UDST and Abdulrahman Al Kuwar, Chairperson of the WFF Qatar Youth Chapter.

The WFCC 2025 conference, with H.E. Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Qatar in attendance, hosted a National Youth Symposium and an Arab Youth Competition. These events brought together young minds from across Qatar and the region to discuss innovative solutions and strategies for tackling the intersecting challenges of food insecurity and climate change.

One of the highlights in Doha was the bilateral meeting between the WFF and the Department of Food Security within Qatar's Ministry of Municipality, where discussions focused on empowering youth to strengthen local agrifood systems. These conversations align with Qatar's National Food Security Strategy 2030, which prioritizes resilience in agriculture, water management and coastal ecosystems. The Chapter provides a platform for young leaders to collaborate, share ideas and implement context-specific solutions that contribute to both national and global agrifood systems transformation.

The Youth Chapter, hosted by UDST, received the unique opportunity to leverage the University's academic resources and research expertise, particularly through the Center of Excellence for Food Security and Sustainability. By collaborating with this institution, the Chapter also aims to tap into the University's extensive network of agrifood partners including other universities in the country that have the shared mission to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our agrifood systems.

Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, a fourth-year student at UDST and the Chairperson of the Youth Chapter, highlighted the importance of youth participation in shaping Qatar's food security and climate action policies.

“The Chapter is ready to become a pioneering force by providing a platform for young people to engage with policy makers, scientists and industry leaders. By collaborating with key partners, including FAO, UDST and the Ministry of Municipality, the Chapter will hopefully catalyze the next generation of change makers who will help build a sustainable, food-secure future for Qatar and beyond”, said Victor Muiru, Head of Local Action at the WFF's Youth Initiative.

Qatar's Youth Chapter is a testament to the power of youth- driven change in the agrifood systems. It also reflects Qatar's commitment to a resilient and sustainable future. As youth continue to shape the future of food security and climate action, the Chapter aims to be a model for other nations in empowering local youth to lead meaningful and impactful change.