On September 28, 2025, Arnaz Dholakia, Co-Country Representative of YPARD Germany, was invited to present her research to the Local Council for Germany under the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). What began as an unexpected invitation soon became a meaningful milestone—the first official engagement for YPARD Germany, marking its entry into national dialogues on climate resilience and sustainable food systems.
In her presentation, Arnaz shared insights from her master’s thesis, which examines the impacts of climate extremes on farms in Germany using observation-based damage functions. She used this platform not only to present her academic findings but also to weave in YPARD’s core priorities—agroecology, green jobs, and youth empowerment—demonstrating how research and youth engagement can intersect to shape resilient agrifood systems.
Arnaz's outreach was deeply rooted in her ongoing involvement with YPARD, where she has been exploring ways to translate complex environmental research into accessible knowledge and action. By linking her research to YPARD’s mission, she highlighted that the challenges posed by climate change are not solely the domain of academia or policy. Instead, they also present opportunities for young professionals and communities to co-create innovative, practical solutions on the ground.
The session sparked discussions on the interconnectedness of climate extremes, agriculture, health, and food security, aligning closely with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). Through this engagement, YPARD Germany’s participation underscored the importance of empowering young voices to contribute to global sustainability efforts. Reflecting on the experience, Arnaz emphasized that this first engagement was an attempt to connect research, practice, and policy while enabling young professionals to drive positive change in agrifood systems.
YPARD Germany’s inaugural representation underlines its growing presence within national and international networks. As the chapter continues to build partnerships and foster dialogue, it aims to further amplify the voices of young professionals dedicated to creating a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for agriculture and food.
