Work & Activities

UNEA-6 (united nations environment assembly-6) delegate (UNEP headquarters, Nairobi, Kenya)

As the Head of the Food and Agriculture Youth Institute (FAYI) and a former member of the International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences (IAAS), I had the honor of being selected as a delegate to participate in the Sixth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) held at the UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

In addition to representing IAAS at UNEA-6, I engaged in a diverse array of experiences. Throughout the event, I gained insights into the consultation processes of different constituencies within UNEP, participated in negotiations, and learned about organizing side events, among other activities. I attended various dialogues focusing on environmental sustainability, the prevention of environmental pollution, and the mitigation of biodiversity loss, all of which are closely linked to ensuring the well-being of both humans and animals.

Finally, this UN event helped me a lot to increase my experiences and familiarize me with the African diverse culture. It was really enjoyable as I got the opportunity to meet different people from different parts of the world.

Further Reading: www.fayi-iaasworld.org / https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19NXqNK3HM/

FAO Renofarm Initiative

My Experience at the FAO Symposium on Reducing Antimicrobial Use in Livestock

Attending the FAO symposium on "Pathways to Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials to Support Sustainable Livestock Transformation" in Chongqing was an eye-opening and enriching experience. As someone deeply invested in sustainable agriculture and public health, the event provided me with invaluable insights and a renewed sense of purpose.

The symposium, organized in collaboration with the Rongchang District, Chongqing City, the Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, and the National Center of Technological Innovation for Pigs, brought together over 200 experts from around the globe. The FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, set the tone with his powerful message on the urgent need to reduce antimicrobial use in livestock production. His emphasis on innovative pathways to safeguard public health and the environment while improving livestock productivity resonated deeply with me.

The event introduced the RENOFARM initiative, aimed at reducing the need for antimicrobials on farms through policy support, technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. This initiative is not just about reducing antimicrobial use but also about promoting good health services, production practices, alternatives, connections, and incentives—termed the "5 Gs."

The policy support component of RENOFARM was particularly inspiring. It's clear that achieving sustainable agrifood systems transformation requires collaboration across governments, farmers, the private sector, and civil society organizations. The pilot projects in Indonesia, Uganda, and Nigeria showcased tangible improvements, especially in Indonesia’s Lampung province, where broiler chicken farms have seen significant enhancements in livestock management and biosecurity practices.

The symposium was also a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow researchers, policymakers, and industry experts. During breaks and networking sessions, I exchanged ideas and discussed potential collaborations with professionals from diverse backgrounds. It was encouraging to see so many people united by a common goal of reducing antimicrobial use and promoting sustainable livestock practices.

Leaving the symposium, I felt a strong sense of responsibility and optimism. The discussions and insights gained will undoubtedly influence my future research and advocacy efforts. The RENOFARM initiative and the broader efforts to combat AMR are critical to ensuring a sustainable and healthy future for all.

Attending this symposium was more than just an academic exercise; it was a call to action. I am now more determined than ever to contribute to this global effort, knowing that our collective actions can make a significant difference.

FAO RENOFARm cop launching program

My experinece as a panelist for presenting RENOFARM Global Youth Action Plan (RENOGYAP)—A Zero-antibiotic Livestock Farming Model

I am thrilled to share a significant achievement for the FAO RENOFARM community of practice, which focuses on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Prudent Antimicrobial Use to mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) risks in the agrifood sector.

Recently, we successfully launched the RENOFARM Community of Practice (RENOFARM-CoP), bringing together experts, stakeholders, and professionals across the One Health spectrum. This initiative is a major step towards sustainable agriculture and food safety through responsible antimicrobial stewardship.

I had the honor of serving as a panelist representing youth in this webinar, where I presented a detailed overview of the RENOFARM Global Youth Action Plan, which I developed on behalf of youth engagement for reducing AMR at farm level. This initiative is a comprehensive 10-year strategic framework designed to actively engage young professionals in combating AMR through the 1+1 Initiative and the Train New Trainer (TNT) approach.

The plan envisions a progressive, scalable model—starting with individual farms achieving zero-antibiotic use, then expanding to villages, districts, provinces, countries, and ultimately, the global agricultural landscape. By leveraging youth-led awareness programs and capacity-building efforts, this initiative aims to drive sustainable change among livestock farmers, particularly in developing countries.

The proposal generated significant interest among webinar participants, and the FAO is currently evaluating it for potential official endorsement and implementation. If adopted, this initiative could play a transformative role in promoting responsible antimicrobial use and sustainable livestock farming worldwide.

The Concept of the One Health Youth Symposium by Dr. Abu Sayed

The Concept of the One Health Youth Symposium: A New Approach for Youth Engagement in One Health

In an era marked by emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases posing significant threats to global health, it is crucial to acknowledge the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This interconnectedness is the foundation of the One Health approach—a collaborative, multidisciplinary strategy designed to address health challenges holistically. Despite its critical importance, awareness and understanding of One Health remain limited among many young people, even within scientific and medical communities.

Recognizing this gap, I took the initiative to pioneer the concept of the One Health Youth Symposium—a platform dedicated to educating, engaging, and empowering youth in the field of One Health. My vision was to create an interactive space where young minds could learn from experts, collaborate with peers, and develop practical skills to become the next generation of One Health leaders actively engaging with communities.

Purpose and Objectives

Youth represent a powerful force for change, yet their involvement in One Health initiatives is often overlooked. The symposium was initiated with the following core objectives:

Raising Awareness: To enhance understanding among youth about how human health, animal health, and the environment are deeply interconnected. This awareness is crucial to fostering a holistic perspective on global health challenges.
Skill Development: Beyond theoretical knowledge, the symposium integrates capacity-building workshops covering essential topics such as scientific writing, research methodology, community engagement, and career development. These efforts aim to equip youth with the competencies necessary to contribute meaningfully to academia, policy formulation, and fieldwork.
Motivation and Engagement: Awareness alone does not drive change. The symposium seeks to inspire a sense of responsibility and proactive involvement among young people, encouraging them to undertake research, advocate for policy reforms, and implement grassroots initiatives aligned with One Health principles.
Leadership Preparation: Addressing complex global health challenges requires informed and capable leaders. The symposium provides a platform for networking, collaboration, and leadership development, helping youth transition into influential roles within the One Health community.

A Practical and Holistic Approach

What distinguishes the One Health Youth Symposium is its focus on practical skill-building alongside knowledge dissemination. Key components of the symposium include:

Scientific Paper Writing and Publication Workshops: Enabling youth to contribute to research and advance their academic careers through effective scientific communication.
Career Development Workshops: Offering guidance on professional growth and leadership preparation.
Networking Opportunities: Facilitating connections between young participants, experts, policymakers, and researchers to foster collaborations that extend beyond the event.

Long-Term Vision

The One Health Youth Symposium aspires to be more than an isolated event—it is a movement dedicated to cultivating a generation of informed, proactive, and skilled youth capable of contributing to a healthier and more sustainable world. By promoting awareness, enhancing capacity, and fostering leadership, this initiative aims to mainstream One Health among young people, preparing them to effectively address future health challenges.

Through this effort, I envision a future where collaboration, innovation, and responsibility guide the global health agenda, ensuring improved health outcomes for humans, animals, and the environment alike.

1st FAYI International Symposium in Kathmandu, Nepal: Another Pioneering Event within IAAS

As the Co-Head of FAYI, IAAS, I pioneered and conceptualized, assisted in the organization, and partly directed the inaugural FAYI International Symposium with IAAS Nepal (Organizing Committee) in Kathmandu, Nepal. my contributions were instrumental in shaping a transformative event focused on agriculture, food security, and One Health. Key aspects of my contribution include:

Conceptualization: I played a central role in defining the overarching theme, objectives, and focus areas of the symposium. This involved identifying critical issues in agriculture, food security, and One Health that would be addressed during the event.
Organizational Leadership: I provided leadership in the strategic planning and organization of the symposium. This encompassed creating a structured program, providing suggestions to organize relevant speakers and experts, and coordinating logistical details to ensure a seamless and impactful experience.
Program Development: I spearheaded the development of a comprehensive program that featured meaningful discussions, policy and research workshops, and engaging activities. The program aimed to address challenges in agriculture and food security while promoting the holistic concept of One Health.
Youth Empowerment: The symposium prioritized empowering youth through knowledge sharing and skill development. I ensured that the event provided a platform for young individuals to enhance their understanding, skills, and contribute to policy advocacy in the fields of agriculture, food security, and One Health.
Scientific Workshop Conduction: I have conducted a 2-Days Workshop on "Scientific Paper Writing" which assisted me in gathering experiences and sharing knowledge as well.
Policy Advocacy Emphasis: Recognizing the importance of policy advocacy, I emphasized this aspect throughout the symposium. The event aimed to go beyond discussions and workshops to contribute actionable recommendations for addressing challenges in agriculture and food security.

The FAYI (Food and Agriculture Youth Institute) Symposium is a flagship event that brings youth leaders and experts to engage in meaningful discussions, policy and research workshops, and activities centered on critical issues in agriculture, food security, and One Health. The symposium holds paramount significance as it aims to empower the youth by fostering knowledge sharing, skill development, and policy advocacy. By bringing together professionals and experts, it creates a collaborative environment for addressing challenges in agriculture, food security, and the holistic concept of One Health.

1st FAYI International Workshop on Scientific Paper Writing in Agriculture and Forestry University, Chitwan, Nepal

In my capacity as the organizer and facilitator, I spearheaded a collaborative workshop on Scientific Paper Writing at the Agriculture and Forestry University. Partnering with IAAS Nepal LC AFU, this initiative aimed to enhance participants' skills in crafting effective research papers. The workshop, marked by hands-on exercises and peer review sessions regarding the procedures of scientific paper writing, empowered participants and left a lasting impact on their academic journey. This experience underscores my commitment to educational initiatives and effective collaboration.

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