Opening remarks for the ECOSOC Youth Forum side event: Leveraging SDGs to empower youth and women in agrifood systems

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues and youth leaders,

• It is an honor to provide opening remarks at this ECOSOC Youth Forum side event, where we will explore the interconnections between the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on the relevance of SDGs 4 and 8 for young women in agrifood systems.
• I wish to extend a warm welcome to H.E. Fergal Mythen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ireland, and to H.E. Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa, Ambassador and the Permanent Representative of Nepal. Similarly, I wish to welcome all participants joining us in person and online.
• FAO is very pleased to co-organize this side event during the ECOSOC Youth Forum, an important platform for youth to share their perspectives and to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Today's session marks the culmination of a youth-led consultative process facilitated by FAO's Office of Youth and Women through the World Food Forum Youth Assembly.
• This process has gathered perspectives and ambitions agrifood systems transformation from youth around the world- placing them in the driving seat of this change.
• Consultative processes contribute to the meaningful engagement of youth in policymaking.
• As we celebrate FAO's 80th Anniversary this year, we reflect on our legacy of progress while looking ahead to the future. We reiterate our commitment to joint action for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life. When we come together, silos break down, and collective action becomes possible.
• We must remember that representation is not just about ticking a box; it is about genuinely listening and integrating youth priorities into decision-making. It is vital that the voices of youth are not only heard, but that their concerns be addressed at local, national and global levels.
• I look forward to today's conversation and to the youth-led recommendations that will be presented at the High-Level Political Forum in July.
• Thank you.