Global Youth Lead the Way in Food Security Conversations

As the World Food Prize Foundation’s Youth Institute season enters the summer, young leaders around the world continue to engage in powerful conversations about the real issues impacting their communities—and our planet. Whether gathered in person or online, these students are not only learning about food security and sustainable development but are also shaping the dialogue for the future.

Youth Across Sweden Unite for Food Security

In Sweden, the SLU Youth Institute—hosted by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) —held multiple gatherings, beginning with the spring event on the Ultuna campus and expanding to Alnarp and Umeå.

At SLU Alnarp, under the coordination of Tina Karlsson Green, 70 students participated in a dynamic day of roundtable discussions and inspiration programming. They were welcomed by Dean Christina Lunner Kolstrup , who emphasized the importance of their engagement in solving global food challenges. After presenting their essays, students explored hands-on learning opportunities at the SLU Food Lab and learned about biochar’s impact on soil and plant health. Many students noted that writing their essays deepened their understanding of food security—and that the process was both challenging and fun.

Meanwhile, at SLU Umeå, coordinator Elisabeth Nyström led a day of roundtables, where 12 students shared their ideas and explored the role of forests in sustainable development. The experience clearly left a mark, with one student noting that it sparked a strong interest in sustainable development for them.

Spotlight on the AgCountry Challenge Youth Institute

Back in the United States, the newly renamed AgCountry Challenge Youth Institute—formerly the Morris Challenge Youth Institute—was hosted by the University of Minnesota Morris . Led by coordinator Jennifer Zych Herrmann , six students from two schools participated. During the event, the students visited the West Central Research and Outreach Center, where they learned about research efforts focused on wind power. 

Students Connect Virtually to Explore Food Systems

May also marked the successful launch of three virtual Youth Institutes, held on May 27, May 28 and June 3. Across the sessions, 23 students engaged in both on-demand and live programming, completing the requirements to become recognized as Borlaug Scholars.

Each session featured interactive and thought-provoking content:

• May 27 – Plant the Moon Challenge Students participated in a space-themed session exploring agriculture beyond Earth, including a live escape room challenge with science-based tasks related to space farming.
• May 28 – “Beans is How” with Paul Newnham , Chief Executive Officer of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub and recipient of the Foundation’s Top Agri-Food Pioneer award Through a video message from Paul Newnham, students learned about the power of beans in driving nutrition and sustainability. They discussed how to promote beans in their schools, completed a “Bean Quiz” and reflected on practical steps they could take locally and globally.
• June 3 – World Food Forum Session Students explored how youth around the globe are influencing food systems through experiences and storytelling. They reflected on their passions and inspirations, coming away feeling empowered to take action.

Whether in Sweden, Minnesota or virtually, these Youth Institutes continue to affirm one powerful truth: young people are ready—and eager—to lead. Their voices, ideas and solutions are helping to build a more sustainable, equitable food future for all.