Finding a common ground to empower young food systems leaders

The Agri4D 2025 Conference brought together global actors in food systems, climate action, and sustainable development to discuss science-driven solutions to transform food systems and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Taking place amid intensifying climate disruptions and conflicts, the conference underscored that food systems lie at the heart of both the climate crisis and its solutions.  

Against the backdrop of escalating climate change and persistent food insecurity, young people, particularly those from climate-vulnerable regions, remain disproportionately affected while being underrepresented in decision-making processes.  

Recognizing the urgency of ensuring meaningful youth participation in governance, policy, and practice, EcoClimate Vision Kenya (ECVK) hosted a session titled “Young Voices of Regeneration for Regenerative Food Systems: Youth Debating Power, Policy, and Food Systems”. The session critically examined existing food governance narratives, showcase youth-led innovations, and generate practical recommendations for youth-led transformation in food systems. 

During the discussion, youth leaders, policymakers, and scholars exchanged evidence-based arguments regarding current policies enable or hinder young people’s participation. Youth participants also shared their experiences, emphasizing indigenous knowledge, agroecology, and digital innovation. Through these dialogues, ECVK aimed to reposition youth not merely as “future leaders,” but as active changemakers in shaping fair, resilient, and regenerative food systems today.  

On one hand, the government representatives argued that current policies are creating opportunities for youth to actively engage in regenerative food systems; pointing to global platforms like YOUNGO and the World Food Forum, as well as policies that ensure representation at international conferences and expand access to funding and training opportunities in agri-tech and entrepreneurship. While acknowledging ongoing gaps, government representatives maintained that the policy environment is progressively enabling youth engagement. 

On the other hand, the opponents countered that policies are still excluding youth in transformative processes. Despite the existence of policies, systemic barriers continue to limit young people’s participation, particularly due to limited access to land, minimal leadership representation, urbanization pressures, and lack of practical education in regenerative agriculture. Citing data from UN and FAO reports, they argued that policy implementation remains weak, leaving youth largely sidelined from decision-making and resource allocation. 

In closing, the session underscored that meaningful youth inclusion is essential for building regenerative and equitable food systems, and that empowering young people today is key to transforming the future of food security and climate resilience.