On October 8, 2024, the Water Youth Network (WYN) joined the World Food Forum’s (WFF) Rome Water Dialogue Youth Assembly. Co-organized by WFF, FAO’s Land and Water Division, and the World Youth Parliament for Water (WYPM), the Assembly focused on youth-led responses to water scarcity in agriculture, part of the Global Framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG) Strategy.

This virtual event explored how youth can be a “cross-cutting theme” in WASAG’s governance and technical projects, covering sustainable water use and ecosystem-based solutions. The Assembly emphasized developing actionable youth strategies that address the pressing challenges of water scarcity and climate resilience, with participants sharing lessons from initiatives that enhance water management and food security.

WYN took the lead in breakout sessions, focusing on technical solutions and ecosystem-based strategies. Through consultations and collaborative discussions, WYN aimed to shape youth-led approaches for the upcoming WASAG Strategy (2025-2031), set for presentation at the High-Level Dialogue in Rome on October 17.

In a powerful close to the session, WYN and other participants began drafting a Youth Statement to present at the High-Level Dialogue. This statement seeks to formalize youth priorities, advocate for inclusive policies, and call for a stronger commitment to sustainable water management practices.