Rome - On Friday 20th of October, YUNGA (Youth and United Nations Global Alliance) created an event where students were able to enter and were granted a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the Food and Agriculture Organisation. We interviewed the high-level people that were visiting the organization for a World-Food flagship event.
The central theme during this week of conferences was: “Agrifood Systems Transformation Accelerates Climate Action” . It was a unique opportunity to meet world leaders and this is why the experience won’t be forgotten and will leave a valuable mark on me.
I went to the FAO during the closing ceremony and some of our most impactful experiences included: a speech from the President of Ireland as well as different ministers, special guests and the FAO Director-General. I was inspired by the powerful speeches and by the courage, passion and desire to create a cleaner world. Everyone who went on the stage exuded determination and ignited a spark of inspiration, and I learnt a lot from this event.
One very striking and powerful message was transmitted by Licypriya Kangujam, a 12-year-old Indian Climate Activist. She fervently urged governments to take immediate action and emphasized the necessity for developed nations to fund pressing global issues like hunger, climate change, and education. She particularly inspired me and we were fortunate enough to interview her.
“Asking [for] clean air to breathe, clean water to drink and a clean planet to live in are our basic rights” Lizi declared, ‘‘I strongly believe that children can lead the change.’’
She highlighted the importance of everyday actions (such as turning the lights off, picking plastic, recycling, reusing materials, not wasting food, etc) to make the future cleaner and brighter for the upcoming generations.
In addition, we had the privilege of interviewing the Chief Economist of the FAO, Maximo Torero. We also had the pleasure of meeting various indigenous representatives from all around the world, who came to FAO to make a difference and spread their messages. They expanded our understanding of the diverse cultures and traditions that intersect with global sustainability.
In conclusion, the YUNGA was a very impactful, inspiring and impressive event that empowers the youth to take action and urgently raise our voices to make the world cleaner and more sustainable for our future. As we contemplate the urgent challenges our society faces, our experience at FAO has encouraged us to do our part and start to develop small actions that will impact the future. Because to reach our goals, every small step in the right direction counts.
By Inès, Grade 8