CA4SH at the 2024 World Food Forum

14-18 October 2024: The World Food Forum (WFF) was held at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) headquarters in Rome, Italy. It served as a powerful platform, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to leverage the power of intergenerational collaborations, partnerships, and action across policy, science, innovation, culture, and investment. 

CA4SH members joined a series of youth-led dialogues, workshops, and networking events to highlight the transformative potential of soil health as the foundation of sustainable, resilient food systems. With over 200 members - including farmer organizations, youth, policymakers, scientists, and NGOs - the Coalition is committed to translating science into action, fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration, and amplifying the vital role of youth in global soil health initiatives. 

Event Spotlight: Regenerating Soils for Future Generations 

At the “Regeneration of Soils for Future Generations” event - hosted by SIANI, the Eastern African Farmers Federation, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), CA4SH and Ristolab - young leaders, farmers, and stakeholders gathered to share insights on soil’s foundational role in transforming food systems. The event showcased youth-led initiatives for soil health and highlighted the importance of maintaining healthy soils for future food security. 

“Young people from all over the world can offer smart and sustainable solutions for soil health, and can act as leaders to inspire and engage others to take action. Support for and investment in soil health is needed from multiple food system actors, and this event provided space for young people to advocate for much needed action and support.” - Jonna Wiklund, SIANI 

Event Spotlight: A Toast to Sustainable Agricultural Productivity Growth

The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) and the GAP Initiative at Virginia Tech hosted a networking event to bring together high-level country delegates, decision-makers, and critical stakeholders to highlight the need for coordinated policy, research, and funding mechanisms that support equitable, sustainable agriculture as an integral part of food system resilience. 

“At CA4SH, when we talk about soil health, we refer to the ability of soil to sustain the productivity, diversity, and environmental services of terrestrial ecosystems. Beyond productivity, soil health can provide a multitude of ecosystem services including water regulation, habitat for biodiversity, nutrients to plants and animals, and the preservation of cultural heritage.” Daniela Solis, Coordinator of CA4SH 

Event Spotlight: EIT Food x WFF 2024 Art Exhibition - ‘Paradise Bank’ 

Held at the picturesque Rome Botanical Gardens, the “Paradise Bank” art installation by Italian-Brazilian artist Lucas Memmola emphasized the Amazon’s rainforest’s critical role in biodiversity and agri-food systems, exploring themes of conservation and economic speculation and accumulation. The work underscored Indigenous knowledge as central to forest preservation and emphasized the urgent need for sustainable, inclusive practices in Amazonian agricultural supply chains. This exhibit served as a reminder of the importance of protecting global ecosystems and engaging youth and Indigenous Peoples as stewards of the land. 

Youth Leadership in Soil Health: The #Youth4Soil Initiative 

CA4SH’s #Youth4Soil Initiative, launched earlier this year, has become a network of over 100 youth advocates empowered through skill-building, mentorship, and networking. This initiative provides young leaders with the knowledge, resources, and counselling needed to drive global soil health advocacy and action. From peer-to-peer learning mechanisms to engaging young farmers in data utilization and interpretation, CA4SH is preparing the next generation to lead soil health and agrifood systems innovations. 

Through the CA4SH Mentorship Program, mentors guide mentees through goal-setting and career development, enabling them to amplify their advocacy and navigate impactful careers in soil health. In this way, CA4SH’s mentorship model fosters a unique intergenerational dialogue, inspiring knowledge exchange across multiple sectors and levels, creating avenues for young leaders to lead. 

Call to Action 

As we look towards UNFCCC COP29 and UNCCD COP16, the momentum built at WFF is a reminder that safeguarding our soils demands urgent, inclusive action. CA4SH calls on governments, policymakers, and stakeholders to prioritize soil health in their climate, biodiversity, and land agendas, while supporting capacity building, traditional knowledge integration, and youth leadership in decision-making processes. Engaging youth in these initiatives is essential, as young people are on the front lines, driving innovative solutions and grassroots movements that shape a sustainable future. 

CA4SH’s mission to improve global soil health relies on collaborative policies, cross-sectoral knowledge-sharing, and robust frameworks that include soil health at every decision-making level. We work to bridge research and practical application, ensuring soil evidence informs both policy and on-the-ground management. Join us in advocating for soil health by advancing policies that prioritize and support sustainable soil and land management, and raising awareness about the critical role of healthy soils in poverty reduction, food and nutrition, climate mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and beyond. 

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