Switzerland Youth Chapter Consultation Workshop

Bern - On 25 June 2025, the FAO Liaison Office in Geneva (LOG) and the Office of Youth and Women (OYW), through the World Food Forum (WFF) Global Youth Action Initiative (Youth Initiative), organized the Switzerland Youth Chapter Consultation Workshop at the Bern University of Applied Sciences, School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (HAFL) in Bern, Switzerland. The workshop brought together 17 youth representatives from diverse Switzerland-based organizations to contribute ideas and input for the development of the Switzerland Youth Chapter’s Terms of Reference (TORs).  

The consultation workshop incorporated a collaborative and inclusive process and aimed to define a clear structure and strategic direction for the Chapter, while assessing its relevance and added value. Ultimately, it sought to ensure that the chapter addresses the needs of existing youth networks and strengthens coordination, inclusivity, and visibility across local, regional, and national levels. 

Cultivating Youth Action for a Sustainable Future in Agrifood Systems 

Participants in the workshop were organized into three working groups to collaboratively contribute to the Chapter’s strategic direction and priorities. This structure allowed for enriched discussion and a wide range of inputs, helping to ensure that the Switzerland Youth Chapter reflects and complements the diversity and complexity of Switzerland’s agrifood systems. 

During the discussions, the youth representatives provided critical inputs and feedback on key components of the Switzerland Youth Chapter TORs, specifically focusing on: (1) Role, (2) Objectives, and (3) Membership. With facilitation support from the LOG and the WFF Youth Initiative, each group outlined concrete steps and priority recommendations they would like to see incorporated into the development of the Switzerland Youth Chapter. 

The main outcomes and key inputs are as follows: 

Role of the Switzerland Youth Chapter: The Switzerland Youth Chapter is envisioned as an inclusive “umbrella” platform that connects diverse youth initiatives across the country. It serves as a catalyst for meaningful youth engagement by empowering young people and communities to co-create sustainable agrifood systems through dialogue, collaboration, and policy influence. 

Objectives of the Switzerland Youth Chapter: The Chapter aims to establish reality-driven thematic groups that focus on youth-relevant issues aligned with national priorities. These groups will foster targeted dialogue, consultations, and coordinated action on the most pressing challenges facing young people in Switzerland, encouraging responsive and solution-oriented engagement. 

Membership: The initial membership will operate under a shared leadership model, allowing members to jointly shape the Chapter’s foundational structure, working groups, and thematic focus areas. This process will be supported by the FAO Liaison Office in Geneva and the WFF Youth Initiative to ensure an inclusive, collaborative, and effective start. 

These shared outcomes reflect a strong foundation for the Switzerland Youth Chapter and a collective commitment to advancing youth-led action in agrifood systems – laying the groundwork for the next steps in its development and implementation. 

Moving Forward 

In conclusion, the consultation reaffirmed a shared commitment among youth participants to move forward with the creation of the Switzerland Youth Chapter, recognizing its clear added value in uniting and amplifying youth action across the country. Designed as an inclusive ‘umbrella’ platform, the Chapter will strengthen local initiatives while connecting them to broader global efforts aimed at achieving food security and sustainable agrifood systems. 

Building on the consultation outcomes, LOG and the WFF Youth Initiative will consolidate the feedback received and circulate a revised version of the TORs for final review and validation. Parallel discussions are underway regarding the Chapter’s hosting structure, and an open call for expressions of interest in leadership roles will offer motivated individuals the opportunity to shape its next phase. To sustain momentum and engagement, a soft launch is planned for September 2025, with the official launch to follow during the WFF Flagship Event later this year at FAO Headquarters in Rome.