Youth Assembly consultation: Shaping the future of forests

On 28 July 2025, the World Food Forum (WFF)’s Youth Assembly held the Thematic Youth Assembly consultation on forestry, organized in collaboration with the Forestry Division (NFO) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and partner organizations including the International Forestry Students’ Association (IFSA), EcoClimate Vision and Bridge for Billions. The consultation aimed to strengthen youth participation in global forestry governance, building on the 2024 Youth call for action: Empowering youth in forestry and agriculture.

The event opened with remarks from Andreas Anargyros, advisor at the Australian Embassy in Rome, and featured technical contributions from NFO and WFF Youth Assembly partners, reflecting the inclusive and collaborative spirit of the consultation.

Through interactive breakout sessions, the consultation engaged youth on critical themes: restoration and resilience, innovation, and governance and policy. Youth emphasized that ecological recovery must also be cultural, rooted in Indigenous knowledge and intergenerational exchange. They highlighted the importance of creating spaces where seniors and youth co-develop solutions, integrating innovation, traditional knowledge and scientific approaches. Innovation was understood as more than technology. Participants showcased learning models, digital campuses and practical alternatives to unsustainable practices. They also identified persistent barriers, including limited funding, weak policy enforcement and limited recognition of youth-led initiatives, which prevents youth from fully realizing their potential.

On governance, youth called for moving beyond tokenistic participation by institutionalizing youth representation in decision-making processes, from national forestry policies to global frameworks. Case studies presented by young foresters demonstrated how youth are already co-designing curricula, piloting restoration initiatives and advocating for systemic change.

The outcomes of the consultation will be presented at the WFF flagship event in October ahead of the 28th session of the FAO Committee on Forestry (COFO).