As agrifood systems undergo profound transformation – driven by climate change, demographic shifts, technological innovation, biodiversity loss, conflict and changing labour markets – countries are working to ensure that new generations are prepared to sustain and transform these systems. Continuous generational renewal does not happen automatically. It requires deliberate investment in youth infrastructure: the institutions, policies, partnerships, participation mechanisms, knowledge systems, investments and innovation ecosystems that enable young people, particularly young women, to contribute to and transform agrifood systems.

FAO's flagship report, The Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems, provides the global evidence base for this work. It analyses young people's roles, aspirations and opportunities in agrifood systems, the barriers they face, and the policies and investments needed to unlock their potential.

Through the Office of Youth and Women (OYW), FAO supports Members in strengthening the youth infrastructure needed for continuous generational renewal. The Office connects and provides technical expertise, facilitates partnerships, supports policy dialogue and evidence generation, and convenes governments, young people, academia, civil society, the private sector and development partners to institutionalize meaningful youth engagement and expand opportunities for young people across agrifood systems.

The World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Initiative is FAO's flagship mechanism for advancing this work. Through global, regional and national action, it brings together young people and partners to strengthen youth leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration while supporting countries in building sustainable youth infrastructure for the future.

By strengthening youth infrastructure as a strategic investment, FAO supports Members in creating the enabling conditions for continuous generational renewal – ensuring that successive generations of young people have the capabilities, opportunities and institutional support needed to sustain and transform agrifood systems. This investment strengthens the human capital needed by countries to achieve resilient agrifood systems for food security, rural prosperity and sustainable development.