Youth Assembly
Thematic
consultations
and sessions
Fisheries and aquaculture
Fisheries and aquaculture are a vital source of food and high-quality nutrition, playing a key role in global food security, livelihoods and sustainable development. They contribute significantly to addressing food insecurity and malnutrition, support economic growth and help preserve cultural heritage.
These sectors also offer important opportunities for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Meaningful engagement of youth is essential to foster innovation, ensure long-term sustainability and strengthen governance in both sectors. The World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Assembly provides a structured and inclusive space for young people to engage in policy discussions, exchange experiences, contribute knowledge and develop solutions for sustainable aquatic food systems.
As a result of consultations held by the Youth Assembly, the Global Youth Constituency on Fisheries and Aquaculture was established to ensure that young people active in the sector are heard, recognized and supported. The Constituency was launched during the 36th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Committee on Fisheries (COFI36) in July 2024.
It brings together youth and youth-led organizations to collaborate, engage in dialogue and advocate for more inclusive, equitable and sustainable aquatic food systems. It promotes youth empowerment through capacity development, policy engagement and knowledge-sharing, while facilitating global and regional dialogue to strengthen youth participation in international processes and fostering implementation at national and local levels. Its work is supported by FAO’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Division.
Framework of the Global Youth Constituency on Fisheries and Aquaculture
Vision
A world in which youth are recognized as key actors in shaping sustainable aquatic food systems, with their perspectives meaningfully integrated into policies, programmes and decision-making processes at all levels.
Mission
To empower youth as leaders in sustainable aquatic food systems by providing a platform for inclusive dialogue, capacity development, policy engagement and collaborative action.
Objectives
- Promote youth participation in policy and decision-making processes related to fisheries and aquaculture.
- Strengthen the capacity of young people to understand, engage with and influence fisheries and aquaculture governance.
- Support youth involvement in FAO’s technical work on fisheries and aquaculture.
- Facilitate partnerships among youth, governments, civil society, producers, academia and the private sector.
- Foster inclusive, intergenerational and gender-responsive dialogue on key sectoral issues.
Key resources and governance
The Constituency Manifesto - The Global Youth Constituency Manifesto sets out the shared principles, priorities and commitments guiding youth engagement in fisheries and aquaculture. It reflects the collective perspectives of young professionals and youth-led organizations working towards sustainable, resilient and inclusive aquatic food systems.
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee provides strategic direction and coordination for the Constituency’s activities. It is composed of youth representatives from different regions and backgrounds, ensuring balanced and inclusive leadership. The Steering Committee is structured as follows:
- Two Co-Chairs overseeing the work and activities of the Constituency;
- Three Working Groups, each chaired by one or two Steering Committee members and composed of designated focal points for partnerships, advocacy and outreach and capacity development.
The Working Groups of the Constituency are structured around the core components of Blue Transformation, as mapped in the FAO Blue Transformation Roadmap:
- Working Group 1. Sustainable Fisheries
- Working Group 2. Sustainable Aquaculture
- Working Group 3. Sustainable Value Chains and Trade.
Steering Committee Members
Membership
Young people with an interest or professional engagement in fisheries and aquaculture are invited to become members of the Global Youth Constituency.
Timeline
2024
October 2024
- Youth Assembly consultation session
2025
August 2025
- Virtual workshop to launch the Youth Constituency Steering Committee
2026
May 2026
- Launch of a survey to collect youth inputs in the lead up to COFI37
July 2026
- Consultation of the Global Youth Constituency on Fisheries and Aquaculture to refine the youth recommendations to be presented at COFI37
September 2026
- Participation in COFI37 and presentation of progress achieved since COFI36
Youth perspectives
Hear directly from young professionals engaged in the Global Youth Constituency on Fisheries and Aquaculture.
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