Transform food systems through youth-led Intervention underscored

Millions of people are struggling without a reliable source of food to support themselves and their families. We are witnessing a broken food system that does not deliver for local or small-scale producers. Transformational change in food systems cannot occur without meaningful youth participation to improve the health of people and the planet.

VSO community, national, and international volunteers are supporting young women and men, women smallholder farmers, school children, people living with disabilities and other marginalized communities to engage in community and national dialogues and take actions towards transforming the food system for promoting social and environmental justice. With the theme of this International Youth Day 2021, Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health, VSO arranged a webinar, title: Transforming Food Systems Through Youth-led Intervention on 12 August 2021 at 11:30 AM Bangladesh Standard Time.

The Govt, NGOs, INGOs, VIOs, CSOs, UN, youth organizations, volunteers, civil society, and other key stakeholders presented the session. It focused on how youth led intervention help to transform the food systems in Bangladesh. There were quite a few important issues were highlighted. Several concerns were articulated about youth participation and development, such as ethical and moral development for youth, preparing focused youth policy and its implementation, the role of media to promote youth-led intervention. Also, as for food safety and food production, the webinar articulated that the farmers need to receive the respect they deserve so that we can motivate them more into the production process. They should also receive proper supports both from the government and development partners.

Dr. Md. Golam Rahman Professor, Editor, Ajker Patrika and Former Chief Information Commissioner was present as the Chief Guest. Mr. John Taylor, Chief Technical Advisor, Dhaka Food System Project, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, Mr. Dr. M.H. Chowdhury (Lenin), Joint General Secretary, Paribesh Bachao Andolon (POBA), Mr. Tawohidul Haque, Academic Faculty and Researcher, Institute of Social Welfare and Research, University of Dhaka, Mr. Mursalin Nomani, President, Dhaka Reporters Unity, Dhaka, Dr. Shahnaz Karim, Director Inclusive Communities and Arts, British Council and Mr. A K M Manirul Alam, Director, Field Service Wing, Department of Agricultural Extension, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh were present as the guest speaker. 

Mr Khabirul Haque Kamal, Project Implementation Lead, chaired the webinar. Ms Anne Kahuria, Global Youth Engagement Officer of VSO, presented a thorough discussion of how VSO integrate youth into their programme globally. Mr Shafiqur Rahman, Project Manager, Livelihoods, VSO Bangladesh, shared a presentation, and Mr Salahuddin Ahmed, Business Pursuit Lead, VSO, moderated a short Q/A session. Ms Najia Nuray Jarin, Youth Engagement National Volunteer, VSO Bangladesh, facilitated the entire session.