Deadline: 31-Jul-23
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is organizing the first ever Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation (GC-SLT) with the theme “Better production, better nutrition, better environment, better life”, on 25 to 27 September 2023.
The GC-SLT will provide a neutral forum for FAO Members, producers, scientists, development agencies, policy makers, civil society, opinion leaders and the private sector to engage in dialogues on innovations and pathways to efficiently produce more nutritious, safe and accessible animal source foods with a reduced environmental footprint, and contribute to vibrant local and diversified livestock systems that are more resilient to shocks and disruptions.
The Youth Dialogue is co-created by youth, for youth. It will connect and empower young people around the globe to discuss key priorities and challenges and identify innovative and actionable solutions for sustainable livestock transformation. The event will bring together up to 200 young people (21-35 years old) from across the world with a professional and/or academic background in livestock, including Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students from relevant universities (e.g., animal science, veterinary, agriculture), farmers or producers and scientists. Participants will discuss two livestock topicsrelated to the four main themes of the GC-SLT and develop a Youth Statement that will be presented to the participants of the GC-SLT. Moreover, they will attend selected plenary sessions of the GC-SLT.
Prior to the Youth Dialogue (early September), participants will attend a virtual training on the livestock topics to be discussed at the event as well as a virtual training on the event’s format and procedures. Participants will also be provided with the necessary background documents and information for better preparation and engagement.
The Youth Dialogue will:
- provide youth across the globe with a platform to express and exchange their ideas on sustainable livestock transformation;
- provide an opportunity for young people to engage with representatives of FAO Members, producer organizations, research and academia, development agencies, civil society organizations and the private sector;
- make young people part of the conversation.
Objectives
- The GC-SLT will convene a wide spectrum of relevant stakeholders to debate and synthesize evidence on innovative solutions for sustainable livestock transformation, for possible scaling and adoption, with focus on food insecure countries. In particular, the objectives of the GC-SLT are:
- Raise awareness of the contribution of sustainable livestock production to implementing the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31, to attain the SDGs at global, regional and national levels.
- Share information and knowledge on the strategic direction and technical developments in sustainable livestock production worldwide.
- Demonstrate FAO’s technical leadership and convening power to support its Members for sustainable livestock production.
Themes
- Better livestock production systems: encompassing management and use of feed and animal genetic resources, animal health and welfare, digitalization and precision livestock farming.
- Animal source food for better nutrition: presenting the state-of the-art knowledge on the contribution of animal source food to food security and nutrition and healthy diets.
- Livestock solutions for better environment: sharing information about good practices and initiatives to make optimal use of natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Better life: including how to support small-scale livestock producers to improve their livelihoods and income through inclusive services and policies, fostering more efficient and resilient livestock production.
Expected Outputs
- The GC-SLT will bring about three expected outcomes:
- Priorities established for the mobilization and pooling of scientific, technical and financial resources to achieve global sustainable livestock transformation.
- Proceedings published as an evidence-based guide to promote Sustainable Livestock Production through the adoption of appropriate practices, partnerships and policies.
- A set of recommendations proposed to guide active innovation for sustainable livestock production worldwide.
Requirements
- Age: 21-35 years old
- Language: Working knowledge (level C) of English
- Academic and/or professional background in livestock production and health:
- Enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programme related to livestock production and health (e.g., veterinary science, animal science, agriculture, biology, animal genetics, animal nutrition, animal production, food studies), or graduates; or
- Proven work experience in livestock production and health.
- Preferred skills & experience
- Public speaking & presentation
- Writing and document preparation
- Youth events and advocacy
- The power to inspire & persuade.
For more information, visit FAO.
