The role of young people is essential in shaping sustainable food systems and ensuring a food secure world without poverty.
Irelands national agri-food strategy, Food Vision 2030 sets out the ambition for Ireland to be a leader in Sustainable Food Systems including the ‘vital contribution of young people’. Activities in support of this include the participation of an Irish Youth Delegation to the World Food Forum in October 2022. The delegation hosted a side event focusing on the exploration of the problems of agri-food systems which affect young people around the world. Food Vision 2030 further commits to Ireland hosting a “Youth Summit” for the agri-food sector.
The National Youth Food Forum was launched in March 2024 and is Ireland's national chapter of the World Food Forum. The Forum aims to build on the existing momentum to better co-ordinate and leverage domestic and international opportunities for young people to engage on food systems. It is a youth led initiative and provides a platform to network and collaborate on sustainable food systems and engage with policy platforms such as the World Food Forum, and other domestic and international initiatives.
Purpose of the Group:
1.
Provide an opportunity for learning, collaboration and knowledge sharing among Irish young people engaged in Sustainable Food Systems.
2.
Engage in agriculture and food systems policy processes, networks, and events.
3.
Lead Ireland’s youth engagement with the World Food Forum.
4.
Lead on preparations for a Youth Summit for the agri-food sector.
Potential Participants:
The Forum is open to all young people engaged with food systems in Ireland, from all backgrounds and areas of interest, including agriculture and fisheries, nutrition and diet, business, bioeconomy, social enterprise, science, research, and policy advocacy.
Group format and content:
The Forum will be hosted within the umbrella of IFIAD and with the support of the IFIAD coordinator. It is anticipated that the Forum will be self-governing and directing in terms of activities and participation. Initial membership of the Forum will be based on expressions of interest and members will participate in their individual capacity. The Forum will take several formats depending on the needs of the participants:
- Peer learning / discussion groups (in person / online)
- Expert and guest seminars
- Training workshops and resources / Mentoring
- Networking and exchanges
