What is the World Food Forum (WFF)?
The World Food Forum (WFF), established in 2021 under the umbrella of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is a global platform aimed at transforming agrifood systems to create a more sustainable, resilient, and hunger-free future. WorldFoodForum-Flagship
WFF brings together youth, scientists, investors, farmers, policymakers, Indigenous Peoples, and innovators to collaborate across sectors and generations. FAOHome+2iuns.org
What’s new in 2025 — A milestone year
Celebrating FAO’s 80th anniversary
The 2025 edition coincides with the 80th anniversary of FAO, making this year’s Forum particularly significant. The event embraces the theme: “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”, echoing FAO’s “Four Betters”: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.
When and where
- Dates: 10–17 October 2025
- Location: FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy — with hybrid (online + in-person) participation options.
Key pillars and programme highlights
The WFF 2025 is organized around three central pillars:
- Global Youth Action — empowering the next generation to shape global agrifood systems.
- Science & Innovation Forum — showcasing cutting-edge research, digital tools, and scientific initiatives to transform agrifood systems.
- Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum — promoting investments and partnerships to scale agrifood innovations and sustainable solutions.
Programme components include high-level dialogues, consultations, innovation labs, hackathons, pitching sessions, exhibitions, and cultural showcases.
Highlights of the 2025 agenda & innovations
From Seeds to Foods — Global exhibition opening the Forum
From 10–13 October, an exhibition titled “From Seeds to Foods” will open in the park near FAO headquarters, tracing the full agrifood value chain — from seeds to technology to food. It will spotlight innovations, global agricultural products, and cultural diversity in food systems.
Innovation meets tradition: Science, Indigenous knowledge, and food heritage
The Forum blends pioneering agrifood technologies (like climate-smart crops, digital agriculture, satellite analytics) with food heritage and cultural traditions. For instance, there will be sessions exploring Indigenous food practices and fermentation, combining ancestral wisdom with modern science.
Youth leadership & global cooperation
Through Youth Action programmes — including innovation labs, culture programmes, and national youth chapters — the WFF 2025 strengthens youth involvement in shaping sustainable food futures.
The event also emphasizes global cooperation via South–South and triangular dialogues, investment partnerships, and cross-region collaborations.
Why WFF 2025 matters
- It brings together diverse stakeholders — from grassroots farmers to world leaders — under one roof to discuss and collaborate on agrifood transformation.
- It combines innovation, tradition, science, investment, and youth empowerment, offering a holistic and inclusive approach.
- It aligns with the broader mission of sustainable development, food security, and equity, crucial in a world facing climate change, population growth, and food system challenges.
- As part of FAO’s 80th-year celebration, WFF 2025 leverages history and continuity to underscore long-term commitment to global agriculture.
Conclusion
The 2025 World Food Forum is more than a conference — it is a dynamic global movement mobilizing youth, science, culture and investment to shape the future of agrifood systems. Whether you are a scientist, policymaker, youth activist, investor, farmer, or simply someone passionate about food security and sustainability — WFF 2025 offers a crucial platform to engage, contribute, and collaborate toward a better food future.
