BACKGROUND

Youth engagement is key to sustainable livestock transformation. The success of global efforts will not be achieved without the active involvement of young people. For new results to be achieved, youth should be put at the center and prioritized in such discussions. They should not be seen as recipients or targets only, but as fundamental contributors and partners towards the identification and implementation of 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 – Mediterranean Universities Union, is organizing the Global Youth Dialogue on Sustainable Livestock Transformation (hereinafter referred to as “Youth Dialogue”). The Youth Dialogue will connect and empower young people around the globe to discuss key priorities and challenges and identify innovative and actionable solutions for sustainable livestock transformation.

The Youth Dialogue was co-created by youth, for youth. It will be held in person at FAO headquarters in Rome (Italy) on 25-27 September 2023, in parallel to the FAO Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation (GC-SLT), and bring together up to 200 young people from across the world with a professional and/or academic background in livestock, including Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students from relevant universities (e.g. animal science, veterinary, agriculture), farmers or producers and scientists. Participants will discuss two livestock topics related to the four main themes of the GC-SLT and develop a Youth Statement that will be presented to the participants of the GC-SLT. Moreover, they will attend selected plenary sessions of the GC-SLT.

Prior to the Youth Dialogue (early September), participants will attend a virtual training on the livestock topics to be discussed at the event as well as a virtual training on the event’s format and procedures. Participants will also be provided with the necessary background documents and information for better preparation and engagement.

The Youth Dialogue will:

• provide youth across the globe with a platform to express and exchange their ideas on sustainable livestock transformation;
• provide an opportunity for young people to engage with representatives of FAO Members, producer organizations, research and academia, development agencies, civil society organizations and the private sector;
• make young people part of the conversation

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

If you would like to participate in the Youth Dialogue, please complete the application form by 31 July 2023.

Applications will be evaluated based on (i) the minimum requirements and preferred skills & experience outlined below; and (ii) their relevance and clarity. Geographical and gender balance will be considered.

A limited number of travel grants (flight tickets, visa costs, accommodation, daily allowance) for selected participants from low-income countries are available. All other participants will have to cover their own costs.

Call for applications closes: 31 July

• Screening of applications and interviews of short-listed candidates by 10 August
• Selected candidates are notified by 15 August

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Age: 21-35 years old

Language: Working knowledge (level C) of English

Academic and/or professional background in livestock production and health:

• Enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programme related to livestock 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 livestock production and

Preferred skills & experience

• Public speaking & presentation
• Writing and document preparation
• Youth events and advocacy
• The power to inspire & persuade

MORE INFORMATION

For more information, please click here or contact FAO-Youth-Dialogue@uni-med.net