Young leaders driving agrifood transformation: YALAFAST concludes its first edition with resounding success

The first cohort of Youth Action Leadership for Agrifood Awareness and Systems Transformation (YALAFAST) wrapped up this week in Rabat, marking a milestone moment for youth engagement in sustainable agrifood systems across the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region.

Launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with regional and national partners, YALAFAST brought together 54 young leaders from public and private sectors and academia from 20 countries for an intensive four-day experience designed to equip them with the tools, knowledge, and networks to lead the transformation of agrifood systems in their communities.

The event took place from 30 June to 3 July 2025 in Rabat. Through a dynamic agenda of workshops, expert panels, group challenges, field visits, and a regional hackathon, participants tackled pressing issues such as technology, policy, water and energy in food systems, and most importantly, the role that young leaders can play in transforming the agrifood systems.

A platform for inspiration, action, and collaboration

The event offered a rich program combining workshops, expert panels, collective challenges, field visits, and a regional hackathon. The topics covered included technological innovation, public policy, water and energy management, and, above all, the central role that young people can play in reshaping food systems.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. AbdulHakim Elwaer, Deputy Director-General and Regional Representative of the FAO for the NENA region, said:

"This initiative embodies the FAO's belief in the ability of young people to transform our agri-food systems in a sustainable way. YALAFAST is not just a training program, it is the beginning of a regional movement."

Highlights of the week included a symbolic ceremony to plant a carob tree at the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute, attended by participants and high-level speakers such as Ahmad Mukhtar (Senior Economist, RNE), Dr. Abdelaziz El Hraiki (Director General of IAV), and Dr. David Nabarro (Strategic Director of the 4SD Foundation and WHO Special Envoy for COVID-19).

In addition, various field visits—to local farms and innovative agribusinesses, as well as to the dam and SP1 pumping station (Sebbou-Bouregreg Interconnection Project)—enabled participants to connect theory with practice.

Towards sustainable regional dynamics

YALAFAST has also created a space for cross-sector dialogue, promoting the exchange of experiences, networking, and the identification of potential partnerships. Several participants described the program as "transformative," "revelatory," and a catalyst for "lasting collaborations."

In light of this enthusiasm, FAO and its partners are considering institutionalizing YALAFAST as a biennial regional platform. An active community of alumni from Cohort 1 is already being formed, with regular calls organized by the RNE regional office to maintain connections, share progress, and circulate opportunities.

This community will also serve as an incubator for innovative projects emerging from the program, with ongoing support from FAO and its partners. Together, they aim to create a sustainable ecosystem where young people's voices will actively shape the future of food and agriculture in the NENA region.