The Empower Youth4Food Campaign ambassadors, volunteers and founding partners at the launching ceremony of the campaign. — VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The Empower Youth4Food Campaign (EY4F) has recently been launched in Hà Nội with the objective of reshaping young people's perspectives on agriculture and fostering their engagement in building sustainable food systems.

Supported by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and co-ordinated by the Southeast Asia office of Nuffic, a Dutch organisation promoting international education, the campaign addresses the pressing challenges that Việt Nam faces due to climate change and an aging farming population, putting the nation's self-sufficiency at risk.

Many young individuals perceive farming as outdated and unsuitable for modern times, prompting the EY4F campaign to showcase the appealing aspects of the agricultural sector to youths aged 16-35.

Recognising the importance of preparing future leaders to tackle agricultural and environmental issues, Christianne van der Wal, the Dutch Minister for Nature and Nitrogen Policy, emphasised the significance of investing in sustainable agriculture and involving young people in shaping a resilient food industry.

"As we gear up for the challenges we are facing, investing in tomorrow's leaders is crucial. I firmly believe that sustainable agriculture is vital for food security and a healthy, robust environment. Achieving this requires the active involvement of young people, educational institutions, government, businesses, and community organisations. Their innovative ideas are essential in shaping our sustainable approach," she said.

Taking cues from countries like the Netherlands, renowned for its advanced agricultural practices incorporating technologies such as hydroponics and drones, the campaign aims to illustrate that farming can be contemporary, innovative, and promising.

The initiative, not limited to Việt Nam, spans across Southeast Asia, with chapters in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

As part of the inaugural Empower Youth4Food campaign, the 'Changemaker Challenge' stood out, where over 200 students and 50 young professionals from the region presented inventive solutions to practical challenges faced by agri-food companies.

Tailored events in Việt Nam will cater to diverse age demographics, offering platforms such as social media contests and online seminars to educate on sustainable food production. Success stories of Vietnamese professionals, particularly those with educational backgrounds in the Netherlands, will be highlighted to showcase rewarding career opportunities within agriculture.

The 'Changemaker Challenge' will further engage students in addressing real-world issues encountered by agri-food businesses, with seed money awarded to winning teams for implementing their innovative solutions.

Moreover, the campaign will facilitate connections between Vietnamese students, young professionals, and career prospects through collaborations with the Dutch Business Association Vietnam, featuring guest lectures, company visits for students aged 16-21; and promoting job openings and internships for young professionals aged 22-35. — VNS