Youth is a magical stage of learning in which we leave childhood innocence behind, to continue on the path to responsible adulthood.

The peoples and their social groups have always bet on young people with their novelty in ideas and transformation, which they have shown its role in different historical junctures.

Among the lights and shadows of a century still young, those in charge of the future have very high goals; it will not be enough to increase the production of healthier and more sustainable food to guarantee the well-being of humans and the planet. Crucial challenges, such as those set out in the 2030 Agenda, must be addressed, including: poverty reduction, social inclusion, health care, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation.

The theme of International Youth Day 2021, “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for the Health of Human Beings and the Planet”, highlights the success of this global effort that will not be achieved without the meaningful participation of young people.

A mechanism to move forward

Youth education as a means of evolution joins commitment, innovation and business solutions, which is why this year’s International Youth Day aims to provide a platform for young people to continue the momentum that the European Youth Forum started in the run-up to the Food Systems Summit.

This year, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs virtually calls to celebrate International Youth Day in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Children and Youth Major Group.

Resilience, gender vision and food production, in complex scenarios where     COVID-19 has hindered the advance of normality; they are necessary aspects to make decisions in which youth continues to be the protagonist.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García