The 2025 Global Youth Institute is a week-long academic conference focused on youth efforts to address global food security issues. The World Food Prize Foundation believes that elevating youth voices is crucial to creating a more food secure, nourished and sustainable world.
Through the Global Youth Institute, the Foundation is able to enhance the leadership of over 185 students each year, and deepen their understanding of global food security, agriculture and sustainability issues. This program coincides with the presentation of the 2025 World Food Prize and the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, a globally renowned conference focusing on cutting-edge issues in food security and agriculture.
Over 185 student delegates and their teachers from 11 countries will be in attendance at the 2025 Global Youth Institute to learn about their unique role in combating hunger. Students range in age from 13-18, and we are hoping that the Global Youth Institute will educate, empower and inspire these young leaders to work towards a more food secure, nourished and sustainable future. students at the Global Youth Institute.
GCSAYN Eexecutive Director, Mr. Divine Ntiokam will be presenting at a workshop for the students on Wednesday, October 22 from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Global Youth Institute Theme: The Borlaug Dialogue and Global Youth Institute 2025 will convene under the theme SOILutions for Security, underscoring the foundational role that agriculture plays in sustaining global stability.
As the world’s population rises and new challenges strain food systems, a global consensus is taking root: soil is more than dirt, it is a dynamic, living system that underpins human survival. In an era of economic disruption, conflict and environmental stress, the Borlaug Dialogue and Global Youth Institute will examine how diverse industries and sectors can unite to address these challenges from the ground up. Rooted in the legacy of Dr. Borlaug and the mission of the World Food Prize Foundation, the 2025 conferences will spark thoughtful deliberation, catalyze meaningful partnerships and champion context-driven solutions that reflect local needs and global priorities. Enduring solutions for food, nutrition, water and energy security are grounded quite literally, in the soil beneath our feet.
During your session, Mr. Divine will be:
- Sharing the work of GCSAYN in climate-smart agriculture, with a focus on the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network (CSAYN), now active in 30 countries, and how it empowers youth to lead sustainable agricultural solutions.
- Discuss key challenges and opportunities in engaging young people in agriculture and advancing climate-resilient practices, especially within the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Help students explore the complexity of global food and climate issues, and the innovative roles they can play in creating change.
- Explore how climate-smart agriculture could be implemented in their communities.
- Offer career insights and guidance based on your experience in youth advocacy, international collaboration, and project development. Share how students can get involved in global efforts like CSAYN or lead impactful local initiatives at the intersection of agriculture, sustainability, and youth leadership.