Yale College Environmental Science and Public Policy student Mikaele Ymker ‘25 attended the United Nations Food and Agriculture Sustainable Livestock Transformation Global Conference in Rome, Italy in September 2023.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization Sustainable Livestock Transformation Global Conference was held this September in Rome, Italy. After reviewing 3,000 applications, 100 youth aged 21-35 were selected from around the world for their academic and/or professional investment in sustainable animal agriculture. A key focus of the conference was the role of European and global nations and organizations in contributing to building a sustainable global food system, reflected by the decision to host the conference in Rome, Italy.
Members of the Youth Dialogue were selected to discuss key priorities and challenges and identify innovative and actionable solutions for sustainable livestock transformation. During the conference, youth working groups provided the opportunity to share region-specific challenges and opportunities for youth engagement and success in livestock transformations. This conference also involved negotiating a final youth statement presented at the closing plenary session. This statement reflected a balance of European and global food systems priorities, outlining youth-driven objectives and pathways to a future of sustainable livestock agriculture. Youth Dialogue members also attended plenary and networking sessions led by top EU agriculture and environmental specialists to understand national contributions to global agricultural goals.
During the conference, the Youth Dialogue engaged with representatives of FAO Members, producer organizations, research and academic institutions, development agencies, civil society organizations, and private sector bodies to engage in dialogues on innovations and pathways to efficiently produce more nutritious, safe, and accessible animal source foods with a reduced environmental footprint, and contribute to vibrant local and diversified livestock systems that are more resilient to shocks and disruptions. This included a dedicated meeting with the Independent Chairman of the Council, Mr Hans Hoogeveen of The Netherlands.
Whilst at the conference, I also had the opportunity to meet with the New Zealand Director General for the Ministry for Primary Industries to understand his priorities for NZ trade and agricultural relations with Europe. The decision to host the event in Rome was evidence of the conference’s strong focus on exploring European food systems and security, and how European agricultural production interacts with and informs broader global food systems. Presentations at the plenary sessions emphasized the role of Europe in achieving the three primary goals of the conference:
Raise awareness of the contribution of sustainable livestock production to implementing the FAO Strategic Framework and attaining the SDGs at global, regional, and national levels.
Share information and knowledge on the strategic direction and technical developments in sustainable livestock production worldwide.
Establish priorities for the mobilization and pooling of scientific, technical, and financial resources to achieve global sustainable livestock transformation.