Dr. Glenn Gregorio, Center Director of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), served as mentor of youth speakers participating in the upcoming 1st Southeast Asian Youth Forum on Food and Nutrition organized by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (SEAMEO RECFON).
The mentoring session via Zoom on 10 September 2024 aimed at equipping the youth speakers with knowledge and skills on promoting sustainable eating habits and effective communication.
In line with the forum's theme, "Healthy Plates, Healthy Futures: Youth Leading the Way in Sustainable Eating," Dr. Gregorio explored opportunities for the youth to take an active role in promoting a sustainable food system in Southeast Asia. He provided a comprehensive briefing on the status and challenges facing the region's agriculture sector, emphasizing a pressing concern—the declining interest of young people in pursuing careers in agriculture.
"To address this challenge, we established the Young Forces for Agricultural Innovation (#Y4AGRI), SEARCA's flagship initiative for engaging youth and nurturing future leaders and partners in agriculture," Dr. Gregorio shared.
He outlined the Center's approach to fostering youth engagement in agriculture through various initiatives. SEARCA actively involves youth in community outreach and sustainability projects, such as Green Skills for SEARCA Youth, and leadership development activities, like SEARCArunungan para sa SEARCAbataan, designed to empower youth with leadership skills and core values.
Through the Sowing Seeds: Cultivating Youth's Future in Agriculture program, SEARCA introduces senior high school students to various career paths in agriculture, including opportunities to pursue agricultural courses in college or explore entrepreneurship in agribusiness. Additionally, initiatives like the Youth in Agri Talk Show offer a non-academic, creative platform to promote the importance and potential of agriculture.
SEARCA also recognizes and supports the efforts of young leaders in agriculture by organizing recognition events and competitions that highlight their contributions to the field.
Out of 89 applicants, 12 youth speakers were selected and mentored for the forum scheduled for 9 October 2024. These young advocates are expected to share their insights and lead discussions on sustainable food systems at the regional forum.