Egypt Launches World Food Forum National Youth Chapter, Empowering Youth to Transform Agrifood Systems

In a milestone for youth empowerment and sustainable development, the World Food Forum (WFF) National Youth Chapter in Egypt was officially launched today at King Salman International University. This event showcased Egypt’s commitment to mobilizing young people as leaders in shaping inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems.

The WFF National Youth Chapter is a youth-driven network that will serve as a platform for action, innovation, and policy dialogue, enabling young Egyptians to contribute directly to food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture. The chapter, builds on the outstanding work of the Food and Agriculture Model (FA Model), a youth-led student organization in Egypt. 

The launch ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr. Ashraf Hussein, President of King Salman International University, and in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). In attendance were university leadership, faculty members, national partners, and over 150 dynamic student leaders from across Egypt.

Egypt is one of three countires to launch a WFF National Chapter, following the global vision of the World Food Forum , a youth-led movement established by FAO to engage young people in transforming agrifood systems through advocacy, education, and innovation.

In his opening remarks, Dr Abdulhakim Elwaer, Regional Representive for FAO’s Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa, commended Egypt’s youth for taking initiative:

“Today is not just a celebration! It is a powerful signal to the region and the world that Egyptian youth are ready to lead the transformation of agrifood systems. This Chapter is a self-organized, youth-led platform rooted in local realities, yet connected to a global movement.”

The establishment of this chapter in collaboration with FA Model comes at a crucial time as Egypt, like many countries in the region faces intersecting challenges including climate change, economic pressures, and persistent food insecurity. More than 5 million Egyptians experience hunger daily, many of them young. The new Chapter will mobilize youth across disciplines to meet these challenges with bold, collaborative solutions.

University President Dr. Ashraf Hussein emphasized the importance of investing in young people’s potential:

“At King Salman International University, we believe our students are not only the leaders of tomorrow, they are the changemakers of today. This partnership with FAO and the World Food Forum embodies that belief.”

The Egypt National Chapter will serve as a model for other countries in the Near East and North Africa, paving the way for a regional network of empowered youth committed to achieving food security and sustainable development.