This month, young people take the spotlight. August 12 is International Youth Day, when we celebrate the amazing things the next generation are doing - and hopefully inspire more action to tackle our nature and climate crises! From making a day-to-day difference personally, at home or in their communities and beyond, we believe that there’s no limit to what their creative minds and moxie can do.
The theme this year is “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”. This aligns closely with the Save 1/3 initiative because with every purchase, we are part of the long process of bringing food from farm to table. Precious natural resources, time and hard work go into our fresh produce. When you don’t let them go to waste, you are also safeguarding the health of people and planet.
The decision makers of tomorrow are playing an active role in shaping our society. Through various youth engagement programmes, WWF helps raise the voices of young leaders, showcase their skills and take action.
This year’s International Youth Day celebration is no different. We’ve teamed up with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to invite all youths to join us in the World Food Forum (WFF) Actors4Change challenge.
Actors4Change Challenge
We want to see the unique and sustainable agri-food and cuisine in your community and country! Submit your short videos for a chance to be featured in the World Food Forum social media challenge. There are two categories to enter:
FoodSystems4Change, showcasing the people and activities in your country that contribute to growing, transporting, supplying and eating food
Cooking4Change, bring to our screens the rich variety of ingredients, cooking methods, local recipes and traditions that are part of your heritage
Participation is free, and submissions are accepted until 30 September. You don’t need to be a videographer either, all skill levels are welcome to contribute, even if your camera of choice is your handy phone! Visit the webpage here to find out more.
International Youth Day video
We’re also excited to share a video to celebrate this occasion, made with the help of young changemakers who are leaving their mark on their communities through their actions. They’re proving that age is just a number and it’s never too late to make a difference, big or small. You have the power to change the world... what action can you take?