European Economic
and Social Committee
Europe’s civil society pushes resilient and sustainable food systems and youth at the World Food Forum and at the Commitee on World Food Security
At the World Food Forum (WFF) in Rome, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) delivered a clear message: resilient and sustainable food systems must be the cornerstone of global policy. Regenerative agriculture is part of this vision, but so too is giving young people and youth organisations a real say in shaping the future.
The EESC is also present as an observer at the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), the UN’s foremost platform for inclusive food governance. This role enables Europe’s organised civil society to feed its priorities directly into global debates, particularly on resilience and sustainable food systems, while keeping youth engagement and sustainability high on the international agenda.
“Food policies must go beyond efficiency and yields,” stressed Stoyan Tchoukanov, president-designate of the EESC’s NAT section. “We need resilience – through sustainable farming practices, inclusive governance that empowers youth, and civil society’s ability to hold institutions to account.”
Beyond plenary sessions, the EESC engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with FAO representatives, governments and international partners. These exchanges proved crucial for strengthening ties and building alliances, ensuring that Europe’s voice on resilience, sustainability and youth empowerment is heard in real time.
The EESC also highlighted its initiatives for youth participation, including the Youth Climate and Sustainability Round Tables, the EU Youth Test – making the EESC the first EU institution to commit to its use – and the newly established Youth Group, to be led by Nicoletta Merlo for the next two and a half years.
“These platforms are not symbolic,” said Ms Merlo. “They are about shifting the culture of decision-making so that youth and civil society are co-authors, not just participants, in food and climate strategies.”
By combining advocacy for regenerative agriculture with strong backing for youth engagement, civil society involvement, and its observer role at the CFS, the EESC is working to reshape the global food policy debate at a decisive moment.