EU CIVIL SOCIETY AT THE WORLD FOOD FORUM IN ROME

A European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) delegation took part in the 2025 World Food Forum flagship event, which was held from 10 to 17 October at the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome.

The EESC stressed that resilient, sustainable food systems must guide global policy. Regenerative agriculture is central to this shift, but so too is giving young people and youth organisations a real voice in shaping the future.

On 20 October, the EESC, as an observer at the UN Committee on World Food Security (CFS) – a body hosted and supported by the FAO – brought Europe’s organised civil society directly into global debates on resilience, sustainability and youth engagement.

‘Food policies must go beyond efficiency and yields,’ said Stoyan Tchoukanov, president of the EESC’s Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment (NAT). ‘We need resilience through sustainable farming, inclusive governance and youth empowerment’.

Through bilateral meetings with FAO representatives, governments and partners, the EESC strengthened alliances to ensure Europe’s civil society priorities are heard.

The Committee also showcased its growing youth initiatives, including the EU Youth Test and its new Youth Group led by Italian EESC member, Nicoletta Merlo. ‘These platforms are about changing decision-making so that youth and civil society become co-authors of food and climate strategies,’ Ms Merlo said.

By championing regenerative agriculture, youth participation and civil society engagement, the EESC is helping reshape global food policy at a pivotal moment. (ks)