Zack Ahmed, a PhD candidate in Global Governance and a researcher on migration and food security with MiFOOD Network, recently represented BSIA and the World Food Forum (WFF) at a high-profile side event during the United Nation (UN) High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in New York.
The event, held on July 15, 2024, at the UN Headquarters, focused on the theme Financing to End Hunger, Food Insecurity and Malnutrition in All its Forms. This important discussion set the stage for the launch of the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2024 report by the UN FAO and its co-publishing partners. The full report, including new UN data and statistics regarding global hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, was released in Rio de Janeiro on July 24 during the G20 endorsement event for the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty.
Zack, a member of the WFF Youth Policy Board, delivered a compelling speech highlighting the pivotal role of youth in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. He emphasized that the global youth population, particularly in Africa, is expected to grow significantly by 2030. Zack argued that supportive policies and inclusive programs are essential to address challenges such as access to education, health, and employment, and gender equality, which are critical to achieving global food security.
Zack, who is also actively involved in the BSIA community through his involvement with Africa Forum and inaugural Technology Governance Policy Challenge underscored the urgency for transformative action in agrifood systems, pointing out that global hunger still affects approximately 800 million people, with youth being particularly vulnerable due to climate change, increased migration, and socio-political instabilities. He called for coordinated, evidence-based decision-making and multistakeholder engagement to harness the creativity, energy, and determination of young people in transforming food systems.
Zack’s participation at the HLPF was not only a representation of BSIA but also a testament to the impactful work being done by the MiFOOD Network under the leadership of Professor Jonathan Crush. His contributions reflect the commitment of young leaders to drive positive change and ensure a sustainable, food-secure future for all.