Agrifood systems and youth-driven change take center-stage at UNGA80

This year, hoops and youth empowerment for agrifood systems transformation united at the SDG Media Zone of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. FAO Global Goodwill Ambassadors, the Harlem Globetrotters, FAO Champion Monique Coleman and the Organization's Chief Economist, Máximo Torero Cullen participated in Fueling the Future: Hoops, Agrifood Systems & Youth-driven Change, an FAO-led session hosted at the UN's SDG Media Zone.

The conversation was moderated by journalist and media innovator Melissa Jun Rowley, and spotlighted the power of youth as catalysts for transforming agrifood systems. Together, the panelists' interventions drew attention to the need to ensure that youth thrive alongside agrifood systems, and that they play an active part in shaping the future of our food. Youth are not just beneficiaries but catalysts for change, Monique Coleman affirmed.

The panel highlighted the importance of multisectoral alliances-sports, entertainment, economics and beyond-to fuel youth-driven change. The Globetrotters, Monique Coleman, and Máximo Torero encouraged youth to take action, no matter how small, and underlined the importance of working together to address the global challenges we face.

As FAO observes its 80th anniversary this year, the conversation transmitted the urgent need to fuel a better future with youth leadership, empowerment and global collaboration at the forefront. The message was clear: empowering youth to shape agrifood systems is everyone's game.