Statement by moderator; Mohamed Samu, Head of Policy, Food Security Think Tank

Youth between the ages of 12 and 24 account for about 15.5% (1.2 billion) of the world’s population, projected to reach 15.1% (1.29 billion) by 2030 and 13.8% (1.34 billion) by 2050 [1].

Regrettably, the youth population is projected to surge in the Global South, exacerbating challenges such as high unemployment rates and limited access to education and economic opportunities. Youth are often recognised for their role in addressing crises they did not initiate, such as conflicts and natural disasters. They also bear the brunt of global crises like food insecurity, which affects nearly 11.7% (924 million) of the worldwide population.

Access to affordable, healthy, and nutritious food is a fundamental human right. Fulfilling this obligation necessitates a comprehensive approach that can divert the energy and potential of youth from responding to conflicts to securing just, sustainable, and resilient food systems.

Regardless of the challenges, youth, with limited support, have laid the groundwork for their active involvement in achieving food self-sufficiency at local, national, and international levels. These initiatives not only bolster government efforts worldwide to create jobs and provide food for the growing population, particularly in the Global South but also demonstrate the potential of youth in addressing global issues.

Despite their efforts, youth face numerous challenges in enhancing food security, including adverse effects of climate change, dominance of corporate industries, lack of necessary skills, limited access to finance, limited political interest and policy action leading to restricted funding opportunities ‘Passion Doesn’t Pay the Bills’.

Recently, the FAO has increased efforts to enhance youth participation. As we approach the next World Food Forum (WFF) and Committee on World Food Security (CFS52), we invite policymakers, researchers, and individuals interested in food security and youth empowerment to join us at today’s Feed the Future 2024 SUMMIT: Empowering Youth Against Food Insecurity. This summit aims to explore expert opinions and develop policy papers for discussion at WFF and CFS52 side events.

As a youth and an emerging scientist focused on sustainable insect-based solutions to enhance food security through policy advocacy, I am honoured to be your moderator. Thank you for joining us in this vital discussion to empower youth and secure our future food systems.

References

1. United Nations. (2020). World Youth Report. Youth Social Entrepreneurship and the 2030 Agenda.

2. FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. 2022. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2022. Repurposing food and agricultural policies to make healthy diets more affordable. Rome, FAO. doi: https://doi.org/10.4060/cc0639en