Youth, science, innovation and investment converge to accelerate agrifood transformation in Europe and Central Asia

A new generation of ideas and partnerships took centre stage recently in Dushanbe at the GENERATION YSInvest event organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 

Held alongside the Thirty-fifth Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Europe, the multi-day event was structured around three interconnected pillars – youth engagement, science and innovation, and investment – highlighting how inclusive dialogue and coordinated action can drive sustainable change in the region. The event brought together policymakers, youth leaders, scientists and investors to advance agrifood systems transformation across Europe and Central Asia. 

Youth taking the lead in shaping agrifood policies

Opened by the FAO Director-General QU Dongyu and Tajikistan’s Minister of Agriculture Qurbon Hakimzoda, the youth pillar on 11 May set the tone by creating a structured platform for young people to engage directly in high-level policy discussions. 

Discussions focused on the needs and constraints faced by young people, their contributions to agrifood transformation, and lessons from successful youth-led networks across countries. Participants emphasized that young people are not only future beneficiaries, but already active agents of change in agrifood systems.

The dialogue resulted in a strong call for the systematic integration of youth into decision-making processes, including through networks, consultations and partnerships. Participants also stressed the need to create enabling environments, support youth-led organizations, and strengthen cross-county collaboration to translate ideas into concrete action. 

A significant step in this direction was that youth representatives formally presented their priorities at the Regional Conference for the first time.

High-level momentum for investment and regional cooperation

The ministerial investment forum added significant political and financial momentum, with ministers from all five Central Asian countries participating. The discussions centred on a future “Breadbasket Initiative” aimed at unlocking the region’s potential as a stable and climate-resilient grain hub.

Participants from international financial institutions and the private sector joined ministers on 11 May to explore investment opportunities extending beyond wheat production to include water security, seed systems, digital technologies and early warning systems – reflecting a broader “wheat+” approach.

The dialogue generated clear momentum for action, with countries and partners calling for the development of concrete, bankable projects and stronger coordination among governments, financial institutions and FAO. There was also strong interest in building investment partnerships and adopting more structured regional cooperation mechanisms.

Science, innovation and collaboration as accelerators

Throughout the event, science and innovation were showcased as critical enablers of transformation, bridging research, technology and practical solutions. Discussions also underscored the importance of evidence-based policymaking, digital tools and innovation ecosystems in strengthening resilience and sustainability in agrifood systems.

Running throughout the week and complementing the dialogue, the GENERATION YSInvest exhibition offered an immersive experience through visual storytelling, interactive installations and participatory spaces designed to encourage dialogue and exchange.

Inspired by nature as a source of innovation and resilience, the exhibition placed people and knowledge – including women, farmers, youth, researchers and local communities – at the centre of agrifood systems transformation, while exploring partnerships and collaborative pathways enabled through the FAO Partnership Programmes with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Türkiye. Visitors were also offered a practical examples of science and innovation, including in vitro plants from the Tajik Agrarian University, contributions from the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre, and biogas production technologies. 

A special guided tour led by Amy the robot further highlighted innovative solutions and interactive experiences designed to spark curiosity, learning and exchange.

From ideas to action

By connecting youth voices, scientific innovation and investment dialogue, GENERATION YSInvest demonstrated the power of integrated approaches to accelerating agrifood systems transformation in the region. The event reinforced a shared commitment across the region to strengthen cooperation, mobilize resources and translate dialogue into tangible results.

Youth, innovation and investment are not separate priorities but interconnected drivers of transformation that can help countries build more resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for the future.