In an inspiring display of unity and action, the 2024 World Food Forum (WFF) in Rome saw young people and women take centre stage in the fight for a better food future. Held from October 14 to 18, this global event hosted over 8,000 in-person participants and reached 1.7 billion people digitally. With the theme “Good Food for All, for Today and Tomorrow,” the forum highlighted critical issues such as hunger, climate change, and food security. The powerful voices of young leaders and women advocates reaffirmed a clear commitment to building a sustainable and equitable world for everyone.

High-profile leaders present at the forum emphasised the importance of this inclusive dialogue across generations and backgrounds. FAO Director-General QU Dongyu reflected on the event’s impact, saying: “This week has reaffirmed the vital role of youth, women, and diverse stakeholders in shaping the future of our agri-food systems. The WFF is where real transformation can take place through concrete actions and partnerships.” Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali reflected this sentiment, calling for global cooperation to address food insecurity, especially as climate change, conflict, and inequality threaten global food systems.

The contributions of the women and young people at the forum were not only inspiring but also practical. They put forward bold ideas, such as the Global Youth Action Plan, a roadmap for youth engagement in transforming food systems. The Youth Innovation Lab showcased the creativity and ingenuity of young entrepreneurs, rewarding those who brought forward innovative solutions to hunger and food insecurity. Women leaders also shined, pushing for sustainable, local food systems and ensuring their voices were heard in crucial discussions about investment and policy reform. Their leadership demonstrated that inclusion is not just about fairness—it’s essential for solving the most pressing challenges of our time.

The momentum behind this movement for youth and women in agri-food systems is not new. It builds on FAO’s dedication to inclusivity, dating back to the first WFF in 2021. Each year, the forum has grown in scope and influence, offering young advocates a platform to share their vision for a future where no one goes hungry. This year’s focus on gender inclusion was especially important, reflecting the growing recognition that women are central to agriculture and food production, particularly in low and middle-income countries. By empowering women farmers and entrepreneurs, the WFF aims to break down the barriers that have historically kept them from fully taking part in food governance.

Traditionally seen as male-dominated, the field of agriculture is evolving—and this year’s WFF is proof of that. Women and young people, often overlooked in these spaces, showed that their leadership can reshape the entire sector. Their participation is not just a step toward gender equality and youth empowerment, it is a strategy for improving global food security, building peace, and fostering resilience in communities around the world. The WFF was a powerful reminder that when we give women and youth a seat at the table, we all stand to benefit.

Looking back, the WFF began in 2021 as an initiative of the FAO Youth Committee, with the aim of actively shaping agri-food systems for the future. Over the years, it has grown into a global platform, driving youth engagement, and forming partnerships addressing food issues locally, regionally, and globally. The Global Youth Action Plan and its related initiatives serve as a sign of hope for creating a more sustainable and resilient future. The forum’s activities throughout the year culminate in this annual event, which has now become a key moment for sharing knowledge, fostering innovation, and encouraging investments that can make a lasting impact.

The 2024 World Food Forum laid a solid foundation for what is to come in the world of agri-food systems. By highlighting the power of diverse voices and bold, collaborative actions, the forum demonstrated that real transformation is possible. As we move forward, all eyes will be on the young leaders and women who are now leading the charge. Their energy, ideas, and determination will continue to push the world toward solutions that fight hunger, promote sustainability, and secure food for future generations—today and tomorrow.