UN FAO calls on Sri Lankan youth to innovate agrifood solutions

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched a National Youth Innovation Challenge designed to harness young people's creativity in addressing systemic challenges within Sri Lanka's agrifood sector. The programme was announced in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Hatton National Bank (HNB), and other stakeholders as part of World Food Day commemorations.

The challenge aims to position youth as key drivers of sustainable transformation across the agricultural and food systems, from production through to consumption. By engaging younger generations in identifying and developing innovative solutions, the initiative seeks to tackle longstanding inefficiencies and environmental concerns affecting the sector.

Official partners believe the challenge will create a platform for young innovators to propose practical interventions that could improve food security, reduce waste, enhance market linkages, and promote climate-resilient farming practices. The programme is expected to identify promising ideas that could receive support for piloting and scaling.

The launch reflects growing international recognition that youth engagement is essential to modernizing agriculture in South Asia, where demographic shifts and technological change are reshaping rural livelihoods. The FAO has prioritized youth-focused initiatives across the region as part of broader efforts to build more resilient and inclusive food systems.