World Food Forum School Assembly to be Held

[Image by The World Food Forum]

The World Food Forum (WFF) School Assembly is set to be held. WFF was initiated in 2021 by the Youth Committee under the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This event, held at FAO headquarters, serves as the premier global platform for actively shaping agri-food systems for a better food future and accelerating the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). WFF builds new action pathways and multi-sectoral partnerships to impact agri-food at local, regional, and global levels through youth action, science and innovation, and investment to achieve a more sustainable, resilient, inclusive, and hunger-free food future for all.
 
WFF has invited FAO member countries and forum partners to organize youth side events for its 4th Annual Flagship Event, to be held from October 14 to 18 at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. These side events aim to provide a platform for young people to share their visions, innovations, and programs, amplifying youth voices by complementing the youth main stage events. Side events are expected to enrich dialogue on agri-food system innovation and create an interactive and inclusive environment where young individuals can actively engage, advocate ideas, and catalyze action.
 
This event is an opportunity for young people and youth worldwide to communicate on the topics of food and agriculture. It provides a space for them to express their perspectives and offer ideas to drive action and impact towards this year's theme, "Good Food for All for Today and Tomorrow."
 
Each year during WFF's flagship event, the School Assembly brings together young students from Rome and across Italy to FAO headquarters, with many more participating online from around the world. The School Assembly is one of the largest events during WFF's flagship event and aims to facilitate dialogue between international leaders, youth activists, and students on agri-food system transformation. During each School Assembly, students discover WFF's thematic areas in an interactive and engaging manner.
 

This year, WFF's flagship event Junior World Food Day (JWFD) and WFF's School Assembly join forces to host the 2024 School Assembly x Junior JWFD event at FAO headquarters in Rome. This year's WFF theme is "Good Food for All for Today and Tomorrow," complemented by this year's WFD theme, "Right to Food for Better Lives and Better Futures."
 
During the assembly, various guests and speakers are expected to take the stage, including FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdon, and Chief Economist Maximo Torero. From Korea, Edward Tae Ho Kim, a student and newly appointed School Food Advocate, will deliver a speech. Edward will emphasize the critical need for nutritious and sustainable school meals. His advocacy highlights the role that school food plays not only in students' health and well-being but also in the effort to address larger global challenges like climate change.  
 
As a School Food Advocate, Edward aims to raise awareness about students' rights to access healthier and more sustainable meals. He extends his advocacy beyond merely addressing hunger; he focuses on the broader impact school meals have on student development and the environment. Through his participation in this global platform, Edward seeks to amplify the voices of students worldwide and encourage dialogue and action to improve school food systems.
 
Edward will also join the Zero Hunger Run Challenge organized by the FAO. This participation further demonstrates his commitment to the fight against hunger and malnutrition. His involvement in this initiative underscores his dedication to work with the FAO and global partners to promote sustainable, innovative solutions for school meal programs.
  

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