YPARD was selected with other 12 organizations from around the world to address food systems issues from a youth-led perspective at COP28.
A global alliance of youth-led organisations will take the spotlight at COP28 as co-hosts of the Food Systems Pavilion. The Youth Co-host for the Food Systems Pavilion is a collective endeavour of organisations dedicated to addressing the global food system crisis, promoting sustainable and equitable solutions. In their role, the organisations will lead events to demand bold political climate commitments, catalyse action and raise awareness of the urgent need for food systems transformation.
The following youth-led organisations are thrilled to announce their role as Youth Co-host of the Food Systems Pavilion at COP28: ACT4FOOD, ASDEV, CICS, Eco-Network Global, EmpoderaClima, Green Africa Youth Organisation, IAAS, IFSA, UN1FY, World Food Forum, YOUNGO Food and Agriculture Working Group, YPARD and Youth NetGlobal.
“This collaboration represents a diverse force dedicated to driving positive change in food systems. Together, our organisations amplify our collective voice and advocate for ambitious commitments and innovative solutions for global food systems”, says Glindys Virginia Luciano, Strategic Network Engagement Manager at YPARD.
The Food Systems Pavilion at COP28 serves as a pivotal platform within the broader climate discussions, building on dialogues from the Food Systems Pavilion at COP27 and the Youth Themed Day. This year’s pavilion will increase emphasis on the integral role of youth in shaping a more sustainable and equitable food system, highlighting gender equity, climate and environmental justice, and the role of indigenous and peasant communities in food production.
“A just transition is not possible without youth and communities in vulnerable situations at the centre of discussions and solutions,” concludes Ms. Luciano.
Renata Koch Alvarenga, founder and executive director at EmpoderaClima, a Brazilian-based initiative, highlights the importance of bringing youth and gender perspectives to food systems. “We know women are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis, and when we acknowledge our role inside food systems, especially regarding agriculture, we understand how crucial it is to bring ecofeminist solutions to this important stage, especially having a Global South focus”, points Ms. Koch Alvarenga.
Moreover, Neville N. Suh, Team lead and Coordinator at ASDEV, a Cameroon based research organisation, highlights the importance of climate resilience. “Amplifying understudied climate change-related issues and promoting climate-resilient strategies is crucial to support food system transformation and resilient livelihoods for resource-poor, marginalised, and vulnerable communities. Achieving this requires engaging youths on all fronts,” Mr. Suh adds.
With the youth perspective and co-creation, the Food Systems Pavilion at COP28 will be the opportunity to witness the unwavering dedication and passion of these youth-led organisations as they work diligently to address the most critical food-related challenges facing our planet.
For additional information and to connect with the Youth Co-host for the Food Systems Pavilion at COP28, please contact: Glindys Virginia Luciano, Strategic Network Engagement Manager at Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD), glindys.luciano@ypard.net.
For additional information and to connect with the Food Systems Pavilion, please contact: Nadia Papasidero, Food Systems Partnership Project Manager at EIT Food, Nadia.Papasidero@eitfood.eu.
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