Opening ceremony of the Global Youth Forum.
On 13 October 2025, the Global Youth Forum Opening Ceremony marked the beginning of the 2025 World Food Forum (WFF) flagship week at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), bringing together thousands of young changemakers, government representatives, scientists and partners united in their commitment to build a better food future.
“Today is about looking forward, to the future that youth are already shaping,” said FAO Director-General QU Dongyu in his opening remarks. He praised young people’s determination, noting, “When I look at this generation, I see one that refuses to accept limits.” Encouraging them to take the lead, he added, “I ask you not just to participate, but to lead. Speak boldly. Listen generously. Challenge each other, and lift each other up.”
Held under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” this year’s Forum celebrates FAO’s 80th anniversary and emphasizes the importance of working together across generations, sectors and regions to drive progress towards more sustainable, inclusive and resilient agrifood systems. The theme aligns with FAO’s vision of the Four Betters – Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life – leaving no one behind – the guiding framework for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Now in its fifth edition, the World Food Forum has evolved into a global, youth-led platform that brings together diverse stakeholders to accelerate action through three interconnected pillars: the Global Youth Action Initiative, the Science and Innovation Forum and the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum. By bridging these dimensions, the WFF provides a space for dialogue and collaboration across generations, translating ideas into scalable solutions that contribute to the SDGs.
Hosted under FAO’s Office of Youth and Women, the WFF Global Youth Action Initiative continues to mobilize young people worldwide to take the lead in transforming agrifood systems. In just five years, it has supported more than 500 youth-led innovation projects, and in the past year alone has engaged nearly 30 000 young leaders from over 180 countries, building global network of over 120 000 youth committed to sustainable agrifood systems. Through consultations, mentorships and education programmes, young people are influencing policy, driving innovation and creating meaningful change in their communities.
The 2025 flagship event, took place from 10 to 17 October, with more than 300 events across FAO headquarters and online from around the world. The Global Youth Forum Opening Ceremony gathered over 8 000 young participants, both in person and virtually, making it one of the largest youth-focused gatherings of the week.
As the WFF week unfolds, participants are engaging in discussions, innovation competitions, capacity building activities and creative showcases that reflect this year’s shared message: only by working “hand in hand” can we achieve better foods and a better future for all.
The World Food Forum once again aims to demonstrate that when youth, science, innovation and investment come together, transformation is not only possible – it is already underway.
