JCU Students Participate in 2024 Edition of World Food Forum at FAO Headquarters in Rome 

From October 14th to October 18th, a delegation of 40 students from John Cabot University attended, through the Center for Career Services, the 2024 edition of the World Food Forum at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Headquarters in Rome. The event provided an unparalleled opportunity to engage with global leaders, experts, and changemakers to address critical challenges in food security, climate action, and sustainable agrifood systems. This dynamic week featured over 240 events, including conferences, panels, and interactive hubs, showcasing innovative initiatives from around the world.

Central to the Forum was the immeasurable value of food as nutrition, culture, heritage, and life. JCU students participated in discussions on themes such as technology in agriculture, indigenous food systems, and grassroots solutions for food equity.

In the opening ceremony, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Prescott set the tone for the rest of the event, emphasizing the right to food and the collective action needed to fight hunger with a pronounced sense of urgency. Guterres called for immediate solutions to the more than 733 million people who suffer from hunger due to the presence of armed conflicts in their regions.

U.S. Ambassador Prescott stated that even though the U.S. may not have held a clear position in the past, “Today, every human being has the right to food.” Prescott moreover pointed out some of the actions taken by the U.S. in the global fight against hunger, including donations of more than 54 billion dollars since 2021. “Hunger anywhere in a world of abundance is an insult to human dignity,” said Prescott.

Executive Director of the World Food Programme, Cindy McCain, echoed her fellow speakers’ sentiments, by addressing the violence that has led to the death of humanitarian aid workers while providing services in the Middle East. 

“Attending the World Food Forum was an unforgettable experience that deeply resonated with my passion for sustainable development,” said student Allegra Cipollone. “The panels on innovative agricultural practices and climate action inspired me to critically consider how I can contribute to sustainability in both my studies and daily life.”

With this opportunity, JCU students were able to interact firsthand with political leaders, who showed a commitment to reversing the scarce political interest among youth and acknowledging the need for fresh perspectives on these crucial global matters. “The discussions on how to tackle these issues were eye-opening and reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts in finding sustainable solutions,” said student Giacomo Lombardo.

Moreover, students were able to experience “a day in the life of a diplomat,” as Giacomo explained: “Attending impactful conferences on food security, walking through FAO’s Plenary Hall, and observing global collaboration has brought me closer to my dream of working at FAO.”

Participants also appreciated the focus of the Forum on heritage and culture, with events like the Indigenous Peoples’ Hub. “Indigenous leaders shared the challenges they face and emphasized the need for policymakers to include their voices,” said student Flavia Marroni. “This dialogue underscored the importance of respecting indigenous knowledge and biodiversity as we address global challenges.”

JCU students returned from the World Food Forum with new perspectives, stronger connections, and a renewed commitment to driving change. Events like these highlight the importance of youth engagement in global discussions and the transformative power of intergenerational collaboration.