Our planet faces the challenge of feeding an expanding population predicted to reach almost 10 billion by 2050 with fewer resources than ever.
To do this in a sustainable manner, new solutions are needed. Ideas and innovations that take into account the day-to-day realities of farming, agricultural production and food consumption. Ideas that will transform todays challenges into tomorrows opportunities. We believe that, as the agricultural leaders of tomorrow, young people should be at the forefront of these efforts.
Our planet faces the challenge of feeding an expanding population predicted to reach almost 10 billion by 2050 with fewer resources than ever.
To do this in a sustainable manner, new solutions are needed. Ideas and innovations that take into account the day-to-day realities of farming, agricultural production and food consumption. Ideas that will transform todays challenges into tomorrows opportunities. We believe that, as the agricultural leaders of tomorrow, young people should be at the forefront of these efforts.
A platform for change
The Youth Ag Summit is a unique opportunity to connect and empower the next generation of agricultural change-makers. Every two years, we bring together 100 global young leaders aged 18 to 25, for networking, debates, skills training, and project development. The end goal? To equip young people to take concrete action on one of humanitys most pressing problems: how to feed a hungry planet.
A global framework
The Youth Ag Summits efforts are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 with a view to ending poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring prosperity for all. Amongst other things, the SDGs aim to achieve Zero Hunger and end all forms of malnutrition by 2030.
A growing movement
The first edition of the Youth Ag Summit took place in Calgary, Canada in 2013, followed in 2015 with the second edition in Canberra, Australia. The most recent Summit took place in Brussels, Belgium, in October 2017.
The fourth edition of the Youth Ag Summit will be hosted in Brasilia, Brazil, between November 4 and 6, 2019. Once again, 100 young delegates from across the world will be chosen to attend. However, for the first time, the final selection of delegates will be based on their proposed project ideas.
Planting a path for progress
To apply, eligible candidates (young people aged 18 to 25 with a passion for agriculture) will need to submit an idea for a Thrive for Change project which addresses food security in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Applicants are encouraged to think about how they can plant a path for youth to be change-makers in implementing the SDGs, and work towards food security in ways both big and small.
The Summit will function as an idea incubator: helping delegates work together to turn the ideas with the most potential into reality, and equipping them with the skills needed to deliver on their projects once the Summit concludes.
The delegates will also participate in industry tours, hear from expert speakers, and pledge action on 3 Little Things to improve food security one of the most concrete outcomes from previous Summits. You can find out how previous delegates have been progressing with their #3LittleThings here.