FUND
Engaging young people is fundamental to the sustainable transformation of livestock farming. The success of global efforts will not be achieved without the active involvement of young people. For new results to be achieved, youth must be placed at the centre and prioritised in these discussions. They should not just be seen as recipients or targets, but as key contributors and partners in identifying and implementing new and innovative solutions for more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable livestock systems.
Building on existing youth spaces and platforms, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with UNIMED - Union of Mediterranean Universities, is organising the Global Youth Dialogue on Sustainable Livestock Transformation (hereafter referred to as the "Youth Dialogue"). The Youth Dialogue will connect and empower young people from around the world to discuss key priorities and challenges and identify innovative and actionable solutions for the sustainable transformation of livestock farming.
The Youth Dialogue was co-created by young people, for young people. It will be held in person at FAO headquarters in Rome (Italy) on 25-27 September 2023in parallel to FAO Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation (GC-SLT), and will bring together up to 200 young people from around the world with a professional and/or academic background in livestock farming, including bachelor's, master's and doctoral students from relevant universities (e.g. animal science, veterinary science, agriculture), farmers or producers and scientists. Participants will discuss two topics related to the four main themes of the GC-SLT and develop a Youth Declaration that will be presented to GC-SLT participants. In addition, they will participate in selected GC-SLT plenary sessions.
Before the Youth Dialogue (early September), participants will take part in virtual training on the livestock topics to be discussed at the event, as well as virtual training on the event's format and procedures. Participants will also receive the background documents and information needed for better preparation and engagement.
Dialogue with young people:
- provide young people from all over the world with a platform to express and exchange their ideas on the sustainable transformation of livestock farming;
- provide young people with the opportunity to engage with representatives of FAO members, producer organisations, research and academia, development agencies, civil society organisations and the private sector;
- make young people part of the
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
If you would like to take part in the Youth Dialogue, please fill in the form below. enrolment form until 31 July 2023.
Applications will be assessed on the basis of (i) the minimum requirements and preferred skills and experience described below; and (ii) their relevance and clarity. Geographical and gender balance will be considered.
A limited number of travel grants (airline tickets, visa costs, accommodation, subsistence allowance) for selected participants from low-income countries are available. All other participants will have to cover their own costs.
- Registration closes: 31 July
- Screening of applications and interviews with shortlisted candidates until 10th August
- Selected candidates are notified until 15 August
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Age: 21-35 years old
Language: Practical knowledge (level C) of English
Academic and/or professional training in animal production and health:
- Enrolled in a bachelor's, master's or doctoral programme related to animal production and health (e.g. veterinary science, animal science, agriculture, biology, animal genetics, animal nutrition, animal production, food studies), or graduates; or
- Proven work experience in animal production and
Preferred skills and experience
- Oratory and presentation
- Writing and preparing documents
- Youth events and advocacy
- The power to inspire and persuade
MORE INFORMATION
For more information, click here or get in touch FAO-Youth-Dialogue@uni-med.net.
