Highlights from The 2023 World Food Forum
The third annual World Food Forum flagship event came to a powerful close on the 20th of this month, with attendees from around the globe celebrating a week of intense discussions, groundbreaking solutions, impactful investments and youth-led change. Our Head of Mentorship Stephen Bright Sakwa attended the week-long event and shares some key takeaways below.
The World Food Forum showcased an abundance of inspiring youth-driven innovations aimed at revolutionizing agrifood systems. From the Youth Food Lab to the Transformative Research Challenge. Nonetheless, the glaring disparity remains in the allocation of funding for these promising young innovators. While leaders acknowledge the immense potential of youth-driven innovations to drive the transformation and end hunger, the disconnect between recognition and substantial funding continues to hinder their widespread implementation.
The forum placed a strong emphasis on recognizing the pivotal role of culture and traditional knowledge in preserving food, promoting sustainable production methods, and safeguarding the environment. One noteworthy initiative by the organizers was the provision of a dedicated tent for cultural leaders to showcase traditional food practices and share stories of hope. This platform not only celebrated the rich tapestry of cultural contributions to food preservation but also facilitated the exchange of valuable insights and experiences, highlighting the vital link between cultural heritage and sustainability.
The conference equally underscored the significant role played by women in the realm of food production, emphasizing their status as key stakeholders in the ongoing transformation of agrifood systems. This recognition not only celebrated the invaluable contributions of women in this crucial sector but also highlighted the need to empower and support them in playing an even more substantial role in shaping the future of our agrifood systems. You may want to watch this EVENT on youth and women empowerment in agrifood systems with digital innovation.
During a virtual side event organized by Real Food Systems, Sakwa shared about the Be One Mentorship Program; stressing the need for more experienced professionals to step up as mentors and support young people in navigating the fields of sustainability, agrifood systems and climate action. Please consider joining a vibrant network of mentors at SHE Changes Climate by signing up for the program.
You can read more about the flagship event here
