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QU Dongyu, Director-General of FAO called for a systemic and inclusive approach to securing a sustainable future for the next generation of farmers and rural communities.

At the FAO Committee on Agriculture (COAG) 30, discussions under Item 9 brought renewed focus to the people driving agrifood systems from the ground up: women, youth and – at the centre – family farmers.

The European Union-funded Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa (PLACE) Programme is helping to nurture a new generation of peacebuilders.

“Youth and women are not only beneficiaries of transformation, they are the engines of change,” QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), said today in remarks at the first-ever meeting of the World Food Forum Africa.

FAO announced three initiatives to help enterprising youth in the field of One Health, and outlined the three pillars undergirding the integrated approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems.

Across the five counties in Kenya, namely, Turkana, West Pokot, Mandera, Narok and Kajiado where the EU-funded Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa Programme (PLACE) is being implemented, young people are stepping into a powerful role as champions of peace and resilience.

Inspired by the World Food Forum (WFF) and complemented by an Exhibition Pavilion, the Interactive Zone for Transformative Solutions brought together contributions from more than 15 institutions and donors, creating a space to showcase innovation, knowledge and cooperation in support of the regional dialogue on agrifood systems.

This year's Forum included the celebration of a historic World Food Day marking FAO’s 80th anniversary and brought together global leaders, policymakers, youth, Indigenous Peoples, scientists, farmers, investors, and innovators around a shared goal: transforming agrifood systems for a sustainable, hunger-free world.

The Global Youth Forum Opening set the tone for a week of youth-driven innovation, creativity and action under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”.

The 2025 WFF flagship event opened with a vibrant celebration of culture, dialogue and youth empowerment. In his opening remarks, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu reflected on the Organization’s legacy and enduring belief that “food is life, food is culture, and food is a basic human right.”