Ethiopia's Food System Summit Empowers Youth for Agricultural Innovation
July 27, 2025 | United Nations, Federal
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The government meeting held on July 27, 2025, focused on the critical role of young people as changemakers in the agricultural sector and sustainable food systems. The summit opened with a call to action, emphasizing the urgency of addressing challenges such as underproduction, climate shocks, and persistent hunger. The discussions highlighted the need for immediate and transformative solutions, particularly through the involvement of youth in agriculture.
Key speakers underscored that agriculture should not only be viewed as a means of food production but also as a pathway to decent jobs, economic growth, and resilient communities. The narrative surrounding agriculture needs to shift from one of arduous labor to a dynamic and attractive career option for young people. The meeting stressed that art and creativity play a vital role in mobilizing youth and reshaping perceptions about agriculture.
Ethiopia's agricultural sector was spotlighted as a cornerstone of the economy, providing 35% of jobs for youth and contributing one-third of the country's GDP. The Ethiopian government has initiated efforts to revitalize this sector, placing youth at the forefront of its agenda. The broader African Union strategy also emphasizes the importance of youth in building sustainable agri-food systems.
The meeting showcased successful initiatives, such as the national food sovereignty project, which has engaged over 24 million Ethiopian youths in volunteer activities. These efforts demonstrate the potential of empowering young people to drive change in agriculture.
Three key action points were proposed to attract youth to agriculture: creating an enabling environment for agri-entrepreneurship, increasing investments in agricultural innovation and digital literacy, and ensuring youth involvement in food system governance. The aim is to foster a perception of agriculture as a rewarding and innovative career path.
The summit concluded with a commitment to implement these actions, reinforcing the belief that investing in youth is essential for achieving food security and sustainable development. The closing remarks included a musical performance, symbolizing unity and hope in the face of global challenges, and encouraging collective action towards a brighter future.
Key speakers underscored that agriculture should not only be viewed as a means of food production but also as a pathway to decent jobs, economic growth, and resilient communities. The narrative surrounding agriculture needs to shift from one of arduous labor to a dynamic and attractive career option for young people. The meeting stressed that art and creativity play a vital role in mobilizing youth and reshaping perceptions about agriculture.
Ethiopia's agricultural sector was spotlighted as a cornerstone of the economy, providing 35% of jobs for youth and contributing one-third of the country's GDP. The Ethiopian government has initiated efforts to revitalize this sector, placing youth at the forefront of its agenda. The broader African Union strategy also emphasizes the importance of youth in building sustainable agri-food systems.
The meeting showcased successful initiatives, such as the national food sovereignty project, which has engaged over 24 million Ethiopian youths in volunteer activities. These efforts demonstrate the potential of empowering young people to drive change in agriculture.
Three key action points were proposed to attract youth to agriculture: creating an enabling environment for agri-entrepreneurship, increasing investments in agricultural innovation and digital literacy, and ensuring youth involvement in food system governance. The aim is to foster a perception of agriculture as a rewarding and innovative career path.
The summit concluded with a commitment to implement these actions, reinforcing the belief that investing in youth is essential for achieving food security and sustainable development. The closing remarks included a musical performance, symbolizing unity and hope in the face of global challenges, and encouraging collective action towards a brighter future.
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