Youth in refugee situations from around the world came together to discuss their views, perspectives, and ideas on how the UN Food Systems Summit activities and efforts to transform food systems can be leveraged for greater food security, better nutrition, and more viable livelihoods for refugees.
Access to quality food is being compromised, and concerns about nutrition are increasing across many populations especially amongst refugees. An estimated 79.5 million people were forcibly displaced by the end of 2019 including 20.7 million refugees under UNHCR’s mandate. Refugee populations are disproportionately dependent on informal sector jobs and often lack access to social safety nets. COVID is also having a devastating impact by reducing employment opportunities and eroding livelihoods.
Youth face a challenge of inclusion of their voices from the tables or platforms where decisions that influence food systems are made. They have limited access to resources, especially capital and skills to invest in their food systems initiatives... Young people need capacity building trainings on how to leverage on technology.” - Faridah Luanda, Youth refugee
In this Summit Dialogue on 27 May 2021, participants discussed refugee engagement in food systems, addressing challenges of food security, as well as proposing opportunities. The discussion was a moderated exchange between the refugees and the UN Special Envoy for the Food Systems Summit, Dr. Agnes Kalibata.
The Summit Dialogues are a powerful opportunity to engage meaningfully and explore collectively how to achieve sustainable food systems.
Watch
(also available on the UNFSS YouTube channel here)
