Editor’s Note: With over 1.2 billion young people globally, youth inclusion in sustainable development is no longer optional—it is essential. This piece highlights how youth-led partnerships, exemplified by the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN), are moving from the sidelines to the centre of global efforts to transform agriculture and build climate-resilient food systems.
The Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN) has taken bold steps in its mission to place young people at the forefront of agricultural transformation and climate resilience by launching multiple new, high-impact collaborations and initiatives. These include strategic partnerships with leading institutions and the appointment of the footballer Farida Machia as the network’s first Female Goodwill Ambassador.
Driving youth-led climate resilience through youth empowerment
GCSAYN signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Wikifarmer S.A., a global platform committed to democratising access to reliable agricultural information. The partnership will focus on sharing best practices and educational content through Wikifarmer’s digital tools, promoting climate-smart farming and equipping young farmers with the skills they need to adapt to a changing climate.
“Together, we will nurture a new generation of agricultural leaders who are well-equipped to drive climate resilience and sustainability,” said Ntiokam Divine, Executive Director of GCSAYN. Stella Provelengiou, the Senior Content Manager at WikiFarmer, echoed the enthusiasm, noting, “We believe that access to high-quality agricultural knowledge is a right, not a privilege.”
GCSAYN also formalised another important collaboration with the International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences (IAAS), the world’s largest student-led agricultural network. The partnership will focus on enabling thousands of students from over 50 countries to connect across borders, build technical capacity and contribute to youth-led climate action. Both GCSAYN and the IAAS will co-develop workshops, advocacy campaigns and exchange programs to ensure that youth voices shape future agricultural policies.
A hub connecting youth to innovation and policy dialogues
Ensuring its mission reaches every corner of the world, GCSAYN additionally announced the launch of a new hub in Canada, marking its first formal presence in North America. The hub was established in collaboration with McGill University’s Margaret A. Gilliam Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS), a globally recognised institution in agricultural and environmental research. The Canadian hub will serve as a strategic base for youth-led research, innovation and academic exchange, while also supporting joint initiatives like internships, policy dialogues and grassroots engagement.
GCSAYN views the establishment of the hub as a critical step in connecting youth with leading academic institutions to scale solutions that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Quality Education (SDG 4). “We are excited to work alongside GCSAYN in empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders and researchers,” said Dr. Patrick Cortbaoui, Managing Director of IGFS.
Championing gender inclusion in sustainable agriculture
Rounding out the recent push for youth-led collaboration, GCSAYN has proudly appointed the football star Farida Machia as its first Female Goodwill Ambassador. A celebrated athlete and passionate youth advocate, Machia will use her platform to champion sustainable agriculture, environmental awareness and gender inclusion, particularly for girls and young women.
“As an athlete and African woman, I firmly believe in the power of youth to transform our communities through innovation, resilience and sustainable practices,” said Machia. In her new role, she will engage in public outreach, youth dialogues and international forums, while also supporting regional efforts aligned with Agenda 2063 and the African Union’s Malabo and Kampala Declarations. “Her leadership, energy and authenticity make her an ideal role model for young people everywhere,” said Ms. Juliet Ejezie Chinenye, Global Chair, Women in Agriculture for Sustainable Africa (WASA)..
To foster a more inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient agri-food system—a key theme in global forums like the African Food System Forum and UNFSS+4—digital collaboration platforms, academic alliances and youth-led policy advocacy are crucial. By collaborating with global leaders, institutions and young changemakers, GCSAYN is ensuring that youth remain at the heart of the solutions to transform global food systems for a food-secure future.
