World Ocean Day 2026 - Oceans, food security & SIDS: How youth can build resilient blue futures

On the occasion of World Ocean Day 2026, young leaders and experts from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) came together for the webinar "Oceans, food security & SIDS: how youth can build resilient blue futures", highlighting the vital role of youth in advancing sustainable ocean governance, resilient agrifood systems and climate action.

The webinar was jointly organized by the World Food Forum (WFF) Mauritius Youth Chapter, the Grand River South East Youth Circle (GRSEYC) and the Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Mauritius Hub, and the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN). It brought together youth and experts from across SIDS to exchange experiences and strengthen collaboration on shared ocean and agrifood systems challenges.

The webinar welcomed participants from across the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean, including representatives from Comoros, Grenada, Haiti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rodrigues, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles and beyond. Despite their diverse geographical contexts, participants identified common priorities, particularly food security, climate resilience and the sustainable management of marine resources.

For SIDS, the ocean is far more than a natural resource. It provides food, supports livelihoods, sustains local economies and forms an integral part of cultural identity. However, these countries are among the most vulnerable to climate change, biodiversity loss and the increasing pressures on marine ecosystems. Against this backdrop, the webinar explored how young people can contribute to more resilient blue futures through innovation, collaboration and community action.

The event opened with remarks from Cristina Alderighi, Programme Officer at the Office of Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries and Landlocked Developing Countries of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, who highlighted the close relationship between healthy oceans, sustainable agrifood systems and resilient communities. The remarks emphasized that investing in young people is essential not only for developing future leaders, but also for safeguarding the marine ecosystems upon which millions of people depend on for food security and livelihoods.

The discussion featured distinguished speakers representing both the Indian Ocean and Caribbean regions.
A speaker from Seychelles shared insights on the country's Blue Economy agenda, highlighting efforts to balance marine conservation with sustainable economic development through evidence-based policymaking, strategic partnerships and youth engagement. The discussion also emphasized the growing role of young people in research, entrepreneurship, innovation and environmental governance.

From the Caribbean, a representative of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network Grenada, emphasized the importance of placing young people at the centre of decision-making processes. Drawing from her experience in environmental advocacy, biology, education and public service, she illustrated how youth across the Caribbean are already leading impactful initiatives that contribute to environmental sustainability and food security. Her message reinforced that young people are not simply beneficiaries of development programmes, they are active partners driving change within their communities.

Throughout the webinar, participants underscored the interconnected nature of ocean health, food security, climate adaptation and sustainable development. Discussions centred around the importance of adopting integrated approaches that protect marine biodiversity while strengthening livelihoods, promoting resilient agrifood systems and creating opportunities for youth.

The webinar also demonstrated the value of youth-led collaboration across regions. By bringing together organizations, experts and young leaders from different island contexts, it fostered valuable knowledge exchange and strengthened partnerships around shared priorities. The exchange also reflected the growing contribution of the WFF National Youth Chapters in advancing locally led solutions to global challenges. Through partnerships with FAO, governments, civil society organizations and youth networks, chapters continue to create opportunities for young people to engage in policy dialogue, promote innovation and contribute to more sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems.

As World Ocean Day 2026 reminds the global community, protecting the ocean is inseparable from protecting the collective future. For SIDS, building resilient blue futures will depend on empowering young people with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to lead sustainable change. From the Indian Ocean to the Caribbean, this youth-led dialogue demonstrated that while islands may be separated by thousands of kilometres, they remain connected by shared challenges, common aspirations and a collective commitment to safeguarding the ocean for generations to come.