Global Youth Institute gather youth to improve global food security

"I think it has been very interesting and inspiring to listen to all these people, leaders and experts. I have really been inspired by their drive forward. Therefore, I think it has been super rewarding to be part of this journey". - Alice

One high school student from Uppsala, one from Lycksele and one from Lund got nominated to go to Des Moines in USA for a few busy days and participate in the conference Global Youth Institute, founded by World Food Prize Foundation. Every year, the conference brings together international experts and high school students from all Youth Institutes to raise awareness of sustainable food production and food security.

"The week in Des Moines was really nice and educational, we received a very warm welcome from the host association WFPF already at the airport. The whole week was packed with panel discussions and speakers, everything from politicians to representatives of various organizations and authors. It was very interesting to meet and get to know people from different countries and cultures. One thing I will remember from the week is the theme of this year's event, "Harnessing change", because there is a lot of talk about how it is possible to make changes in society and mainly in agriculture." - Zeb

During spring this year, round table discussions were held at SLU's three main campuses, where one student from each campus was nominated. From the round table in Umeå, Zeb, from Tannbergsskolan in Lycksele was nominated with his thesis on how to turn cocaine production into arable land for food in Colombia. Nina, from Spyken in Lund, wrote about the problems surrounding food waste in Nigeria and Alice from Lundellska in Uppsala wrote about how corruption in Guatemala affects children's nutritional intake. All three had the opportunity to present their work in round table discussions with leading experts and other high school students.

"It was quite scary to present the work to the experts during the round table, but I got really good feedback and questions from the experts and the other students who attended. It was incredibly educational!" - Nina

The high school students had the opportunity to work with other participants with the task Mobilize 4 change, where they were suppose to come up with solutions to a specific global challenge. They also met high-ranking politicians, experts in food security and not least this year's award winner Heidi Kühn, as well as discuss the global challenges with the US Secretary of Agriculture, who held an appreciated question and answer session about the importance of sustainable food production.

"The group work we had to work with during the week was great fun. I got to know new people and got to hear their ideas and thoughts. The country we worked with was the Dominican Republic and how they are affected by a changing climate. Our solution was based on more climate-resistant crops and coconut trees. I learned so much that was extremely new, almost so that it became difficult to take in. What I take with me is that there are many different courses that can all affect food availability and quality." - Nina