Hand in hand for a better future: FAO celebrates youth in Armenia with innovation, dialogue and creativity

In celebration of International Youth Day, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Armenia joined hands with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic to highlight the power of young people to shape the future of agrifood systems. The event, held on 12 August 2025, brought young people from across the country to Aparan, in the Aragatsotn region, to inspire action, ignite ideas and foster leadership rooted in local solutions.

The celebration emphasized the critical role of young people as drivers of innovation, resilience and transformation in agriculture and rural development. FAO promotes investment in youth and supports national efforts to promote sustainable practices, innovation, entrepreneurship and healthy lifestyles, ensuring that future generations are equipped to lead the agrifood system transformation from the ground up.

The celebration’s centerpiece was a dynamic FAO panel titled “Youth in Agriculture: Challenges and Opportunities” that brought together Ministry of Economy representatives, private-sector actors, local self-government bodies, and two inspiring young farmers. They shared stories of building businesses, overcoming challenges and creating community impact; addressed barriers such as access to finance, land and knowledge; and explored how innovation and youth-led initiatives can drive sustainable rural development.

Interactive activities designed to spark curiosity and promote healthy diets and nutrition awareness kept the energy high. FAO’s interactive info booth introduced the Organization’s global and national efforts across agriculture, forestry, climate resilience and agrifood systems. Youth attendees engaged with FAO experts, explored ongoing initiatives in Armenia and participated in a variety of games and quizzes on healthy diets, nutrition and smart food choices.

The “Healthiest Brduj” challenge – connected to a typical local dish using cheese and vegetables rolled in Armenian flatbread – had eight teams aiming to reinvent the country’s beloved traditional sandwich using fresh, locally sourced and nutritious ingredients. The contest combined creativity and nutritional knowledge while highlighting the importance of local food traditions in promoting healthy diets.

Adding a creative touch to the celebration, young artists took part in a painting contest inspired by FAO’s eightieth anniversary theme: “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.” Their artwork captured youth perspectives on food security, solidarity and sustainable development, contributing a colorful and thought-provoking visual element to the event.

More than a celebration, the Aparan Youth Day created a platform for young people for learning, expressing themselves, sharing their ideas and gaining knowledge about sustainable food practices. It reflected FAO’s broader vision to empower young people to lead the change towards more inclusive, resilient and sustainable food systems, both locally and globally.

©FAO/Anna Poghosyan