Overview

Currently there are approximately 1.2billion individuals aged 15-24, making this the largest generation of youth in history. Despite this, they remain underrepresented in food systems policy spaces. Act4Food began because a small group of young people believed they could change the world. They demanded a seat at the decision-making table and urged governments and businesses to take action to transform our food systems. Today, Act4Food has 27 youth leaders operating in 27 countries, as well as 26 alumni from previous cohorts. The youth leaders are tackling various issues, based on the top 10 Actions 4 Change, a list of actions young people want governments and businesses to take to fix our food system. The list was created by youth and voted on by over 100,000 young people globally. This year, the youth leaders have picked three actions: school nutrition, indigenous food, and the role of multi-national corporations in transforming food systems. 

Key actors

The key actor of our story is youth. Positioning them at the forefront of food systems transformation, not only as beneficiaries, but as changemakers and leaders. We strengthen their ability to work with other important actors, such as governments and business, to drive timely, meaningful action. We collaborate with civil society and the private sector to implement community-based solutions that have a global effect. We have partnered with organizations like the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, to the World Food Forum, and engaged at national scales in various countries.  

Alignment with the EAT-Lancet Commission 

The Act4Food youth leaders have been working on a collective action that highlights the importance school meals for children. The campaign is being launched in 9 countries and the activities include school gardens and nutrition clubs. In addition, the Indigenous Food group is promoting the consumption of local and indigenous food amongst young people through workshops. Both above align with the dimension on healthy diets. Within the dimension of social equity, raising awareness is a key aspect of Act4Food. In the past year, 2,004 youth were reached through attending events and projects organized by our youth leaders. Influencing policy is another key aspect and in the last year, our youth leaders attended 69 events organized by private sector or the government, with 26 youth leaders having an active role in global and/or national activities/events. In 2025 alone, we have held space at key events such as N4G, UNFSS+ Regional and Youth Preparatory Meetings, World Health Assembly, and UNFSS+ Ethiopia. 

Lessons Learned

One key insight has been the importance of providing a platform for youth leaders to connect and empower each other. Act4Food is a space that brings together youth from around the world to learn and share their ideas, challenges and successes. 

Next steps

• Fundraising to ensure adequate support for our youth leaders.

• Expanding our partnership base around the world to support the implementation of local solutions.

• Holding space at high-level conferences and more importantly, participation in high-level side events to promote our work.