Discover the Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme
The Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme (YLP), implemented by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub (the Hub) and FAO Regional Offices, is a crucial step toward the future.
Through our flagship initiative, we provide youth with cutting-edge skills and knowledge to drive sustainable policy changes. In response to the United Nations Secretary General’s Call to Action for Accelerated Food Systems Transformation (FST), we are aligning efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create impactful, action-oriented solutions.
This Programme is made possible by the generous support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
.jpg?sfvrsn=af3a0b57_6 "Formattazione Immagini (13)")
Science-Policy-Society Interfaces (SPSI)
The UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) is expanding from leadership development into country-level action. Through Science-Policy-Society Interface (SPSI) workshops, YLP alumni and young food systems leaders are working alongside National Convenors, government institutions, researchers, UN agencies, and civil society organizations to support more inclusive and evidence-informed food systems transformation.
The UNFSS+4 Youth Declaration for Food Systems Transformation
Following an extensive consultative process which engaged more than 3000 young people from across all regions, the UNFSS+4 Youth Declaration has been launched. With a powerful call to action and regional priorities, youth globally have called on stakeholders to take urgent and decisive action at UNFSS+4 and beyond.
.jpg?sfvrsn=c4c077a0_7 "Formattazione Immagini (14)")
If you have questions, explore our Frequently Asked Questions section or contact us at FSS-Hub@fao.org for more information.
Related News
New research highlights pathways to institutionalize youth leadership in food systems
30/04/2026
A new research paper explores how governments can move beyond consultation to embed youth as co-decision makers in national food systems transformation.
.tmb-th600x400.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=126b753a_3 "Japan EXPO 2025")
Empowering youth voices at Japan EXPO 2025
27/10/2025
The Hub presented its Youth Leadership Programme at Japan EXPO 2025 in Osaka, spotlighting young innovators shaping sustainable and inclusive food systems.
When youth lead, the world listens at UNFSS+4
01/09/2025
Alumni of the Hub's Youth Leadership Programme reflect on UNFSS+4 and the Youth Declaration’s vision for meaningful youth leadership.
Young leaders convene in Bangkok to drive global food systems reform
15/05/2025
Global agrifood systems are at a critical juncture. Despite economic growth and reducing poverty over recent decades, far too many people still suffer...
Data, dialogue, and determination: A young researcher reimagines food systems in India
14/05/2025
Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) alumna Alokita Jha bridges data, storytelling, and advocacy to drive science-based food systems transformation.
Cameroon advances food systems transformation with Convergence Initiative and Science-Policy-Society Interface launch
06/03/2025
Cameroon strengthens policy integration, science-driven solutions, and collaboration to link food systems transformation with climate action.
Growing greatness: How Nicolette Francis is transforming agricultural education in Antigua and Barbuda
21/02/2025
Nicolette Francis, an alumna of the Hub’s Youth Leadership Programme (YLP), is empowering students with the skills and confidence to shape the future...
From Highways to Hope: Advancing Resilience in Pakistan
30/01/2025
Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) alumnus Imran Zahoor is turning infrastructure projects in Pakistan into opportunities for community empowerment.
Connecting science, policy, and society for sustainable food systems
13/01/2025
Workshops in Chad, Viet Nam, and The Gambia launched Science-Policy-Society Interfaces as part of the Hub’s Youth Leadership Programme (YLP).
How Sizophila Asanda Mqadi is changing urban food systems in South Africa
13/12/2024
Sizophila Asanda Mqadi, a graduate of the Hub’s Youth Leadership Programme (YLP), is transforming urban food systems through oyster mushroom farming.
A leaf with a legacy: How Dina Kassa Kebede is revitalizing a forgotten plant for sustainable nutrition
28/11/2024
Dina Kassa Kebede, an environmental scientist from Ethiopia and alumna of the Hub’s Youth Leadership Programme, is transforming samma, a forgotten indigenous...
Insights from the UN World Food Forum Side Event: Leveraging international processes for youth empowerment
15/11/2024
TMG Research, with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), hosted a side event at the...
Youth take the stage at WAFI 2024
04/11/2024
At WAFI 2024, alumni from the Hub’s Youth Leadership Programme shared powerful stories and bold ideas, underscoring the essential role of youth in...
.tmb-th600x400.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=b318997f_3 "The Gambia YLP (1)")
Musa Juwara: Gambia’s lead young person for Food Systems Transformation
22/07/2024
Discover how the Hub’s Youth Leadership Program (YLP) alumnus, Musa Juwara, is working to transform food systems in The Gambia through multistakeholder...
Forging new connections: Youth Leadership Program alumni meet with the World Food Forum
02/07/2024
Together with the World Food Forum (WFF), the Hub hosted an online brainstorming session with alumni from the Food Systems Youth Leadership Program...
Empowering the next generation of food systems leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean
20/05/2024
The UN Food Systems Coordination Hub concluded its third Youth Leadership Program workshop in Santiago, Chile, where 25 young leaders from across Latin...
Empowering tomorrow’s food systems leaders in Asia and the Pacific
16/05/2024
In Bangkok, Thailand, the second workshop of our Food Systems Youth Leadership Program convened young leaders from across Asia and the Pacific, equipping...
Food Systems Youth Leadership Program: Uniting young leaders across Africa
26/04/2024
The inaugural workshop of the Hub's Youth Leadership Program took place in Accra, Ghana, bringing together nearly 30 young leaders from across Africa...
Call for expression of interest: Food Systems Youth Leadership Program
15/12/2023
Are you an early career professional passionate about driving positive change in food systems? Join our exciting new leadership program designed to...
