FAO and Luiss Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali (Luiss University) recognize that youth engagement is key to achieving sustainable agrifood systems transformation. As the global challenges in ending hunger, food insecurity, and all forms of malnutrition keep growing, the participation of youth has become crucial for shaping innovative solutions. Global efforts to achieve sustainable agrifood systems transformation will only succeed if the next generation of leaders is engaged and empowered to take charge of these initiatives.

To this end, FAO and Luiss University are collaborating to engage students and introduce them to the principles of the UN and how it functions through the United Nations Model Programme. The one-month programme, launched on 16 September 2024, brings together 50 university students from high-, low- and middle-income countries across the globe, encouraging them to discuss key challenges and priorities, as well as identify innovative and actionable solutions for sustainable agrifood systems transformation in the context of the True Cost of Food Security.

The students will participate in 30 hours of coursework, delivered by Luiss University professors and FAO experts, to prepare them for a simulation of the FAO Council at FAO headquarters on 17 October, during the Word Food Forum (WFF) 2024.  In addition to the FAO Council Simulation, the programme will introduce students to FAO’s work and cover topics such as International Environmental Law, Food Production, Consumption and Sustainability; Agrifood Systems under FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-31; and the Role of Youth in Agrifood Systems. It will also focus on Diplomacy and Negotiation, Public Speaking and Teamwork.

The students will additionally participate in the WFF’s week-long events under the theme “Good food for all, for today and tomorrow”, providing them with opportunity to strengthen their knowledge and awareness of key issues around food and nutrition security. 

The FAO and Luiss University initiative aims not only to inform and educate students, but also to inspire them to actively participate in global discussions and efforts to find innovative solutions to transform agrifood systems.

For more information about the schedule for this UN Model programme, please visit the following link.

To join in the students’ simulation exercise of the FAO Council on 17 October, register here for the World Food Forum before the 7 October 2024.