Gathering over 8,000 attendees in Rome, the World Food Forum 2024 closed with ambitious commitments to reshape global food systems through targeted investment and youth-led innovation.

The fourth annual World Food Forum (WFF) wrapped up in Rome, uniting a global community of 8,000 to address pressing issues in agrifood systems, including climate resilience, food security, and sustainable practices. Hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the event marked notable achievements, with the FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasizing the forum’s role in mobilizing action. “The WFF is where agrifood transformation takes shape through partnerships, alliances, and essential financing,” he remarked, stressing the event's impact as a collaborative platform.

Among the event’s highlights, the FAO’s Science and Innovation Forum showcased new digital technologies and biotechnology, aimed at bridging the innovation gap in low-income countries. The Global Youth Forum also launched the first-ever Global Youth Action Plan, setting a roadmap to tackle food insecurity and foster agrifood innovation.

High-profile voices, including President Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana, urged urgent action on food security, linking challenges to climate change and conflict. "We must build resilient food systems focused on empowering youth and women in agriculture," Ali stated, calling for a united approach to global food issues.