Youth voices for ocean sustainability: Join the global virtual consultation

The World Food Forum (WFF)'s Youth Assembly is calling on young people in fisheries and aquaculture, to help lead the future of the sector, from production to consumption. On 20 May 2025, in the lead up to the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), the WFF’s Youth Assembly will host its first virtual youth consultation of the year on Ocean Sustainability.

Date: 20 May 2025

This online consultation, organized by the WFF Youth Assembly in collaboration with the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), will explore the barriers, opportunities and strategies for youth engagement in aquatic food systems governance.

The consultation is part of a global process leading up to the 37th session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries in 2026 (COFI37), with youth engaging in a series of activities and milestones throughout the year to gather ideas and drive youth-led action. One such milestone is represented by a FAO youth-focused side event titled “From legacy to leadership: Youth-led solutions for ocean sustainability” scheduled to take place at the UNOC 2025 in Nice.

Why this matters

Fisheries and aquaculture are essential to sustainable agrifood systems, yet, like other agricultural sectors, they face an aging workforce. Because of this the views and opinions of young fishers, fish farmers and fish workers are often missing in the global and regional processes that shape the sector-s future. To strengthen youth involvement, the WFF Youth Assembly has made it a priority to raise awareness and enhance youth participation in decision-making processes related to the sector. As part of this effort, a global Youth Constituency is being formed to elevate youth-led solutions and foster collective action across aquatic food systems.

This first consultation will serve as a platform for young people to share their experiences, priorities and ideas. The insights gathered will inform a youth-led outcome statement that will be discussed during the FAO side event at the UNOC. and shape youth contributions in the lead-up to COFI37.

Who should join

• Young fishers, fish farmers and fish workers;
• Students and early career professionals in fisheries, aquaculture, marine science and environmental policy or related fields; and
• Youth organizations and representatives from the WFF Youth Assembly, Youth Policy Board, National Youth Chapters and partner organizations.

Consultation goals

• Identify youth priorities in three thematic areas: data and science, capacity development and effective management;
• Co-develop actionable policy recommendations for youth-led engagement at international policy processes aquatic food systems; and
• Strengthen global youth networks, ensuring collaboration and shared momentum.

How to prepare

Participants are encouraged to review the following key materials in advance. These resources will provide essential context and help guide informed contributions throughout the dialogue.

1. Consultation concept note
2. FAO Blue Transformation Roadmap
3. CFS Policy Recommendations on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture for Food Security and Nutrition
4. CFS Policy Recommendations on Promoting Youth Engagement and Employment in Agriculture and Food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition
5. WFF Youth Assembly Launch Event for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Youth Constituency
6. 2025 UN Ocean Conference Declaration (Zero Draft)

This is your chance to join a global movement, connect with peers across regions and help shape the path towards sustainable, resilient and inclusive aquatic food systems.

Date: 20 May 2025