Empowering Youth to Protect Agricultural Heritage at the 2025 World Food Forum in Rome

Youth Innovation Safeguards Green Heritage at the 2025 World Food Forum

The 2025 World Food Forum Youth Action on Green Agri-Heritage took place in Rome, Italy, on October 15. This pivotal event was co-hosted by the Office of Youth and Women of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, alongside its counterparts from Laos, Mongolia, and the China Internet Information Center. With support from renowned institutions like Tsinghua University and the UNDP Sustainable Development Goals Innovation Lab, this forum aimed to unite young innovators in safeguarding agricultural heritage.

Addressing the Crisis of Agricultural Heritage

Over 50 youth representatives from more than ten countries gathered to share insights and solutions. The dialog aimed to integrate the conservation of agricultural heritage with initiatives led by young innovators. With one-third of the world's agricultural heritage systems under severe threat from mechanization, urbanization, and demographic shifts, the need for revitalization has never been more critical. The generational gap in agricultural practices often turns traditional techniques into mere artifacts. However, the youth attending this forum emerged as the driving force for innovation, tasked with revitalizing farming practices through a blend of modern technology and cultural narratives.

This year marks a special moment as it coincides with the 80th anniversary celebrations of the United Nations and the FAO. The principles discussed during the forum resonate with the broader concept of Agricultural Civilization, advocating for sustainable collaborations among youth globally. This platform was not only an opportunity for knowledge exchange but also aimed to empower youth as key advocates for change.

Celebrating Agricultural Wisdom Through Innovation

During his welcome address, Kazuki Kitaoka, director of the Office of Youth and Women of FAO, extended his gratitude to the national chapter leaders from China, Laos, and Mongolia who organized the youth side event. He emphasized the importance of establishing mechanisms for inclusivity and sustainability in youth empowerment. Dr. Qingyun Diao, FAO's representative in Mongolia, expressed pride in bringing together young visionaries who exemplified how innovation and tradition can synergistically coexist. "We must continue empowering youth, not just as recipients but also as active participants in transforming agri-food systems globally," he stated.

In addition, Gao Anming, the editor-in-chief of China International Communications Group, highlighted that agricultural heritage systems serve as powerful reminders of each nation's finest traditions and of humanity's wisdom in nurturing a harmonious existence with nature. The fruits of the Youth Action initiative allowed participants to develop twelve innovative proposals while also producing six engaging short documentaries. These highlighted their initiatives and were shared at subsequent events in Jeju Island, South Korea, and Vientiane, Laos, reaching an audience of over 200 million through various media channels.

Collaborative Efforts for a Sustainable Future

One of the key sessions included presentations from young practitioners across Laos, Mongolia, China, and France. Notable contributions included a presentation by a Mongolian herder on living sustainably with nature and proposals on ecological farming practices from the Chinese delegates. Sharing innovative methods tied back to local cultures, these young minds displayed the commitment and creativity essential for preserving agricultural heritage while advancing today’s sustainability goals.

The forum concluded with an International Youth Roundtable Dialogue, moderated by Ayesha Sabir of WFF Pakistan. Various participants discussed youth-led solutions for the sustainable management of agricultural heritage, emphasizing policy support, technological advancements, and community engagement. The discussions paved the way for international collaborations aimed at fostering green heritage innovation.

In a related exhibition, agricultural products from Yanbian County in Sichuan Province were showcased. These included popular local snacks and creative cultural handicrafts which were developed by integrating modern practices with traditional farming methods.

The Future of Agricultural Heritage

The latest issue of the China Report ASEAN magazine, featuring a cover story titled, "Planting Tomorrow: Agricultural Heritage from Past to Future," underscored China’s commitment to preserving agricultural heritage. It presented case studies showcasing successful initiatives ranging from the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces to Fuding White Tea Culture. With a focus on blending technology with age-old traditions, this discourse is vital for revitalizing agricultural practices worldwide.

The event served as a brilliant showcase of the proactive role young people around the world are willing to take in ensuring the preservation of agricultural heritage. As we step into a future influenced heavily by rapid technological changes and climate crises, the collaboration between youth and global entities like FAO will be crucial in safeguarding our planet’s rich agricultural legacy.