From brainstorming solutions for food security and mitigating climate change based on science and innovation to highlighting the links between healthy eating and a healthy planet - a youth-driven World Food Forum today wrapped up five days of intensive dialogue, networking and investment pitching aimed at addressing the world's growing food crisis.
Speaking in a closing ceremony which offered a rich mix of indigenous youth advocacy, music, poetry and film, QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), said: "I am impressed by the many ways policy, science, technology, innovation and investment have converged to spark the actions we need for a better food future. " He added: "The future I always believe is brighter!"
Energizing the gathering has been the urgency of bringing diverse perspectives to bear towards its goals of finding solutions for food security and improving agrifood resilience; raising awareness of the links between dietary and planetary health; and identifying bold, actionable science based solutions to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis, while also increasing access to healthy diets for all.
Qu was joined by counterparts from the other Rome-based Agencies (RBAs), featuring Assistant Vice President Satu Sala from the International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Arif Husain, Chief Economist and Director of Research, Assessment and Monitoring, from the World Food Programme (WFP), as well as youth, science, investment and cultural leaders, who all testified to a new sense of momentum in the continuing collaboration of all stakeholders towards agrifood systems transformation and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Three concurrent streams
The forum brought together three concurrent streams, focusing on youth, science, technology and innovation and FAO's flagship Hand-in-Hand Initiative pairing prospective investors with countries in greatest need of support. Among the key achievements:
