Forging new connections: Youth Leadership Program alumni meet with the World Food Forum

On 30 June, the Hub co-organized with the World Food Forum (WFF) an online brainstorming with the alumni of the Food Systems Youth Leadership Program (YLP) and WFF members. The meeting united participants to facilitate peer learning and synergies with youth-led activities linked to the World Food Forum (WFF), sparking a powerful global movement to empower youth in shaping food systems and achieving the 2030 Agenda.

The opening remarks by Maximo Torero Cullen, FAO Chief Economist, emphasized the critical role of youth in accelerating food systems transformation. Stefanos Fotiou, Director of the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, highlighted the importance of creating links within the food systems network to support national pathways. 

The briefing also included an interactive session moderated by the Hub’s Technical Officer, Nicole de Paula. Here, participants shared their experiences and gratitude, highlighting the enriching lessons learned during their tenure at YLP. Key suggestions included establishing national chapters, identifying common areas of work, and facilitating connections with National Convenors and governments to foster further collaborations. For all of this, the focus should be on collaborative efforts that avoid duplication of work and create complementarities.