Don’t invite us to sit at the table, let us in the kitchen…

By Laura Carniel, 2024 World Food Forum Fellow

Importance of youth involvement in policy and decision-making in agri-food system transformation

Policy is something I never considered as a skill or area that I was particularly attracted to. Instead, in my mind, I felt it was a field “for lawyers”, something “too hard” and “dry”. This fellowship has completely transformed my view. I now see how critical policy is when forming any lasting solution to global challenges. Policy decisions shape the quality of our future outcomes, so it is essential young people are engaged at the table and in the kitchen. 

There comes a point when, wherever you are and, in any context, you cannot keep saving people downstream one by one. In the long term, it is more efficient to work upstream and prevent the problem from occurring in the first place. The key is policy. Volunteering in the health care system and working with treating illness and disease has taught me it is even more important to address the root causes and prevent people from ending up in hospitals in the first place. I am passionate about improving the health outcomes of the community through our agri-food systems. 

Laura standing next to the FAO building sign

Reflecting on my journey with the Global Voices Fellowship so far is difficult to capture in words. This October, I had the privilege of participating in Global Voices’ pre-departure briefing in Canberra and being a part of Australia’s first youth delegation to the World Food Forum (WFF) held at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations World Food Forum in Rome. The World Food Forum, which started in 2021, is still in its infancy. It is sure to keep gaining momentum internationally and with future Australian youth delegations. 

Australia’s first youth delegation at the World Food Forum 2024.

Explorative, expansive and exponential…

These are the three words I walked away with, as well as numerous experiences of full-body goosebumps. These goosebumps were a signal I had been profoundly moved and inspired being in the room with the current change makers and big thinkers. The passion and determination in the room was palpable as we collaborated together to solve agrifood system challenges much larger than any one country. 

Every conversation, workshop, and step of the learning journey has allowed me to connect with a rich tapestry of people who are driven by a shared passion for positive change. With widespread representation, we were able to engage in conversations with scientists, industry experts, governments, farmers, investors, educators, innovators and other youth from every corner of the globe. These discussions led to invaluable cross-pollination of ideas and instilled belief in our ability to rise to the challenge to take action.

From across all continents, young farm leaders’ stories were enthusiastically shared on a global stage. These stories extended to hearing from innovative youth startups, Indigenous leaders, women in agriculture, family farmers, and youth-led policy boards. Stories of real people spreading knowledge and empowering their local and national communities were catalysts for action. Together, the ‘Global Youth Action Plan’ was published and outlined policy priorities to reshape food and nutrition security, and sustainability within agri-food systems internationally. 

Australia’s youth delegation presentation and ‘Meet and Greet’ at the World Food Forum.

A key insight so far is that policy, good policy, is not without a lot of hard work. But it is hard work worth doing. It involves engaging in meaningful and frequent conversations, facilitating conversations between key stakeholders and importantly deep listening and understanding. To be effective, relevant, and workable in rural and regional communities, there needs to be a strong grassroots approach. There needs to be a strong connection with all stakeholders involved. We need to make sure science, innovation and policy are directly translated into what the communities and farmers need. “Nothing about us without us” were words shared at the Canberra pre-departure briefing. This was also echoed in the World Food Forum hearing, “Don’t just invite us to dinner, let us in the kitchen”. Youth, women, Indigenous Peoples, and farmers don’t just need to sit at the table, they need to be involved in decision-making processes. Real policy solutions involve deep and active listening and thoughtful incorporation of these voices. So, how do we harness the power and energy of these voices to continue contributing to the betterment of our communities, ecosystems and future generations?

To any young people reading this, I encourage you to explore policy fellowships offered by Global Voices. This fellowship has been an extremely accessible and rewarding way to start developing practical policy writing skills and opening doors to real-world impact.

Experiences like this are life-changing and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and again wish to express my sincere thanks to Global Voices and AgriFutures. Global Voices and AgriFutures continue to encourage and provide an essential platform for young Australian leaders. A bright future is assured when young people are in the kitchen… cooking up a storm with new fresh Australian policy.  

Australian youth delegation at WFF sitting in a conference room 

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The views and opinions expressed by Global Voices Fellows do not necessarily reflect those of the organisation or its staff.