The world's agrifood systems stand at a crossroads. With 1.3 billion youth globally, the future of food, livelihoods, and economic resilience depends on their participation in agrifood systems. At the same time, agrifood systems need youth to drive productivity, innovation, and sustainability in a crucial and rapidly evolving sector. FAO's "The Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems" report is a call to action.

The global community needs a new financing model that aligns public and private capital, leverages innovation and positions agrifood systems at the centre of sustainable development. This White Paper outlines a bold yet practical agenda to unlock the capital, partnerships, and innovation needed to drive change at scale.

Using innovative approaches to finance the future of food was the key theme and focus of the Platform’s activities in 2024. This year’s report highlights the crucial role of official development assistance (ODA), innovative blended finance, and private sector collaboration in transforming food systems and revitalizing rural development globally.