The World Food Forum (WFF) Global Youth Action Initiative is launching its 2025 Needs Assessment Survey to better understand how to support youth involvement in agrifood systems.

This survey aims to capture young people's perspectives on the essential skills they need, the challenges they face, and their interests and priorities within the sector. Insights collected will inform a series of focus group discussions across multiple countries.

The ultimate aim of this initiative is to close gaps in agrifood education and skill-building, empowering the next generation to lead transformative change in the sector.

The WFF Youth Initiative operates through several key thematic areas: the Youth Assembly, Innovation Lab, Education, Culture, and Local Action. The insights from this Needs Assessment will directly strengthen the effectiveness of these programs by:

• Designing customized training and development activities;

• Highlighting the most needed skills for youth capacity-building;

• Gathering young people’s views on job opportunities and areas of interest within agrifood systems; and

• Producing a report detailing the competencies necessary for youth to thrive in this field.

The survey’s findings will also shape the Initiative’s engagement with WFF National Youth Chapters, NGOs, and other partners, ensuring that youth voices are central to future strategies. Participants selected after the survey phase will join focus groups to help develop a comprehensive report drawing on feedback from over 20 countries. This report will be key in identifying the specific skills youth need to thrive in agrifood-related careers.

Ultimately, this assessment will:

• Guide the growth of WFF’s capacity development efforts, including through its Agrifood Leadership Education Programme and national youth platforms;

• Support more effective collaboration with youth networks and civil society partners; and

• Help define the skillsets required for youth to access employment opportunities in agrifood systems within their own communities.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 16th May 2025