Youth Assembly consultation: Leading the change for sustainable livestock transformation

On 22 July, over 100 young changemakers from around the world gathered virtually for the Thematic Youth Assembly consultation on Sustainable Livestock Transformation, voicing their priorities and co-creating pathways for a livestock sector that is sustainable, inclusive and innovative.

Co-organized by the Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Farmers’ Organization, the Alliance for Sustainable Livestock and the Africa Youth Pastoralist Initiative, the consultation featured two breakout groups: youth priorities for sustainable livestock transformation and enabling youth access to innovation. Participants identified persistent challenges faced by youth including unequal access to land, finance and markets, limited infrastructure and training, and exclusion from decision-making processes.  Across all discussions, youth emphasized their role as agents of change, they stressed the need for policy inclusion, equitable access to resources and greater integration of youth in project design and implementation.

Participants also highlighted the role of innovation, from mobile applications and livestock health technologies to Artificial Intelligence-based diagnostics and e-commerce platforms. While these tools can unlock new opportunities, access remains uneven, particularly for rural youth in Africa and Asia and the Pacific who face barriers in infrastructure and digital literacy. Participants called for youth-led innovation ecosystems rooted in local realities, supported by mentorship, investment and intergenerational collaboration.

This consultative process is part of an ongoing youth-led global effort, building on the 2023 Global Youth Statement on Sustainable Livestock Transformation. The outcomes will be presented at the 2025 WFF flagship event, alongside a presentation of the next steps of the consultative process. The consultation reaffirmed the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future of agrifood systems and advancing sustainable livestock practices.