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Your Excellencies on Rebel, ladies and gentlemen. Good evening in my local Mandinka language Alura. I hope that you have all had a pleasant. Trip to New York and managed to rest before starting your meetings. First, I would like to thank you for giving us the privilege of launching our latest book in the Science Summit of. On this special occasion of the Athlete Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, I am particularly indebted to Doctor Sita, Dr. Nasal Katarin, Doctor Stephen Smith, Dr. Declan Kirani, and our energetic, dynamic and industrial sector general, Doctor Conrad Grain. For this privilege, I wish to also acknowledge the presence among you today of my Big Brother. Establish journey. Executive Director of the More Ebrahim Foundation, former UN Under Secretary General and executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa. And. Also the distinguished Professor Michael Kremer, Nobel laureate and chair of the Innovation Commission at the University of Chicago. Secondly, I wish to apologize for not being able to join you today as we continue to wait for visa interview scheduled for one year's time. Although flying from Dubai to New York, distance of 11,000 kilometers. Now takes only about 14 hours in a world with many contradictions. This is one of them. Another contradiction. And of particular importance to those today. Is the immense channel, the immense challenge of food insecurity in the face of abundance in our wall? Which are most timely initiative of the global flagship has been set up to tackle? Thirdly, I wish to talk briefly about the book we are here today at this time to launch. 21st century African Development strategies. Facing the challenges with innovative. Approaches Palgrave Macmillan, 2025. This book is divided into 10 chapters as follows one with the Africa an introduction to africa's challenges and the book 2 purposeful education and alternative concept and approach to education for development in Africa 3 agriculture and economic development in Africa and empirical investigation with policy implications for reviving America's health sector examining the roles of public and. Private health care services. 5 Building resilience in the post COVID-19 African economy and intersectional perspective based on socioeconomic modeling and in the indigenous knowledge base. 6 Africa as part of the Global South. A framework for building innovative systems. Under technological learning in an unevenly developing Africa. 7 Islamic finance. An exploratory Soviet of an imagined an imagined new opportunity in resource mobilization. And inclusion for Africa chapter 8 combating the social comcom of tribalism in Africa causes, consequences and how they Gambian case study. 9 Strategic strategies for African Development in the 21st century beyond the East Asian model. And in Chapter 10, we conclude. This book offers a broad and multidisciplinary guide to the economic, social, and development challenges facing modern Africa. It seeks innovative solutions to Africa's development issues that look beyond the current policy landscapes and conventional methodologies. By tracking the diverse historical, economic and social trajectories of Africa based on academic as well as deep personal experiences across the continent during and before the 24th century, the specific nature of African economies and societies are highlighted and recommendations for addressing the challenges with refreshing approaches discussed in great detail. Recommended courses for. Africa's development parts in the 24th century are found within education, innovation, finance, agriculture in particular. Of particular interest arose today. Agriculture, health. Economic, political and social stability. Comprehensive quantitative or general equilibrium modelling Technological development. And the lessons from the Asian success stories. We frankly and honestly see two dawns in Africa. A false dawn fooled by Christ, Disappointments and setbacks. And it threw down a +1, struggling to rise with the race of success and hope. To attain, maintain and sustain the true dawn, the desirable dawn, this book makes important points such as one knowing and protecting America's interests whilst making the continent they're more productive. A stronger voice. Yet a more cooperative member of the global community. Two policies and actions. That can boost Africa's huge agricultural potential. That can boost sustainable agriculture and make Africa the walls food basket. The book explores novel concept for Africa in the 21st century, such as Africa Crazy for Homegrown democracy. Two strategic management sustainability analysis. Which indicates that the management with sustainability 3 proposal education bridging national educational systems with national needs and making Africa the walls skills basket. 4 Political tribalism. Colonially inherited old-fashioned divide and rule strategies would still exist, unfortunately. 5 Self rising meaning, self esteem, self-confidence and self-reliance in Africa. 6 Social contracts at national, regional and continental level. The book will be of interest to students, researchers and policymakers. And others interested in development studies or African general. The authors of the present three general generations of scholarship, practical experience and gender diversity, ranging from Professor Khan. His student, my humble self. And Mariama, A Gen. Z. Or, as they say in America, a Gen. Z. Towns to the eminent persons who endorsed the book. His Excellency Dr. Sedita who wrote the forward as the outgoing President and CEO of BADEA. Doctor Omar Tule Toure. His Excellency Dr. Omar Ali Uture, President of the course Commission. Professor MD Balogun. For my special advisor to the. President of the General Assembly of the United Nations and the former Director General of the Administrative Staff, College of Nigeria, Professor Hajun Chang. So US University of London, formerly the University of Cambridge Professor David F Luke. Of the London School of Economics and Political Science Doctor Dawda Simbin, CEO of Africa Catalyst. And the former IMF executive director. And others we might have forgotten. Ladies and gentlemen. Allow me to see in my language also again. Thank you very much, Allah Baraka. Your presence in New York. And today? That this book launch. Indicate your interest. In knowledge. And your interest in seeing positive changes in our world? Under also your commitment to listen to an African voice. I wish you success in all your endeavors and a pleasant stay in the Big Apple and hope that one day I'll have the opportunity and the privilege of meeting one. And all of you. Goodbye.
🌍 Inspiring and forward-looking insights from Dr. Karamo Sonko! His call for innovation, youth leadership, and strategic collaboration deeply aligns with the mission of #ScienceSummitUNGA80 — to bridge science, policy, and practice for sustainable impact.
👏🏽 Congratulations on the book launch and for advancing the dialogue on Africa’s role in shaping resilient, inclusive agri-food systems.
#GlobalFlagshipInitiative #WorldFoodDay2025 #FoodSecurity #Sustainability #Innovation #PartnershipsForImpact
Thank you Dr Rein, Dr Declan Kirrane and the co-chairmen of the Global Flagship for giving me this opportunity and to Ann Molin for moderating the event!
Cultivating Youth Action for Agrifood Systems!
Last week, our Deputy Director Solomzi (Soli) Makohliso attended the FAO launch of the Switzerland Youth Chapter of the World Food Forum’s Global Youth Action Initiative, hosted by the Geneva Graduate Institute.
The Chapter will connect young changemakers with global leadership, ensuring a strong bottom-up approach to building sustainable agrifood systems.
FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol underscored the importance of collective action.
“Youth inclusion in our global efforts to achieve sustainable agrifood systems is non-negotiable and lies at the very heart of the promise to ‘leave no one behind’,” she said. “You are not just stakeholders in our future — you are key drivers of change, essential to achieving food security and transforming agrifood systems. This Chapter is not merely a project or event, but a long-term catalyst for change,” she added.”
We are excited to support this essential initiative. Our work is fundamentally aligned with leveraging science and technology to empower local actors and transform systems. We look forward to collaborating with this next generation of leaders to drive innovation and achieve food security globally.
#FAOYouth#WorldFoodForum#YouthAction#SustainableAgrifoodSystems#SDGs#Innovation#EssentialTech#GlobalSouth
Yesterday in Rome, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, National Lead of the World Food Forum Ghana Chapter and Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, participated as a panelist at the first Intergenerational Roundtable during the 2025 World Food Forum Global Youth Forum Opening Ceremony, held at the FAO Headquarters.
The discussion centered on the theme “Youth in Agrifood Policy and Governance,” bringing together passionate panelists and visionary young leaders from around the world.
Throughout the session, these questions guided the conversation:
Are young people truly being given a seat and a voice at the policy table where the future of food is being shaped?
How can we bridge the gap between youth innovation and policy influence?
What structures must we build to ensure youth don’t just participate, but lead the governance of agrifood systems in a way that is inclusive, resilient and future-driven?
It was an inspiring exchange of ideas about the future of our global agrifood systems and we extend gratitude to the World Food Forum for providing this empowering platform and to all panelists for their insights and shared commitment to advancing youth leadership in agrifood policy and governance.
Cc World Food ForumWorld Food Forum Italy ChapterFAOUnited NationsWorld Food Forum Ghana Chapter#WorldFoodForum#WFF2025#FAO#FAOYouth#AgrihouseFoundation
| Founder / Executive Director - Agrihouse Foundation | Co-Founder - GNEBCHAM | 2024 - Mulheres Do Agro Ambassador, Brazil | 2024 - Agrifood Future Award Recipient, Italy | National Director - World Food Forum Ghana |
As I sat among passionate panelists and visionary youth leaders from around the world, yesterday in Rome, I had the privilege of joining the first Intergenerational Roundtable at the 2025 World Food Forum Global Youth Forum Opening Ceremony, held at the FAO Headquarters, where we explored the theme “Youth in Agrifood Policy and Governance.”
One question that kept running through my mind:
Are we truly giving young people a seat and a voice at the policy table where the future of food is being shaped?
How can we bridge the gap between youth innovation and policy influence?
What structures must we build to ensure young people don’t just participate, but lead the governance of agrifood systems in a way that is inclusive, resilient and future-driven?
These were the powerful conversations we engaged in yesterday about the future of our agrifood systems. I am deeply grateful to the World Food Forum for creating this empowering platform, and to my fellow panelists for their insights and shared commitment to transforming the way youth engage in agrifood policy and governance.
Cc World Food ForumWorld Food Forum Italy ChapterWorld Food Forum Uganda ChapterFAOUnited NationsWorld Food Forum Ghana Chapter#WorldFoodForum#WFF2025#FAO#FAOYouth#AgrihouseFoundation
An inspiring moment at today’s panel “The Role of International Cooperation in Developing Local Food Systems in Latin America”.
We were honored to hear from farmers, market leaders, and international organizations on how collaboration can drive more sustainable, fair, and inclusive food systems.
🌿 A highlight of the session was the announcement by Antonella Cavallari, Secretary General of IILA-Organizzazione Internazionale Italo-latino americana, of a new collaboration between IILA and World Farmers Markets Coalition, a powerful step to strengthen local markets and rural communities across Latin America.
Special thanks to:
- Carmelo Troccoli, Director General WorldFMC
- Thiago Nasser, Junta Local Brazil & WorldFMC Board Member
- Maria Alicia Guajan, Comité Central de Mujeres UOCCI, Ecuador
- Carlos Lazo Gago, Agroferia Campesina, Peru
- Yurany Lopez, Mercado de la Tierra Slow Food Bogotà, Colombia
- Federico Mattei, FAO Mountain Partnership
Facilitator: Barbara Billocci, WorldFMC
🤝🏼 Together, we are building bridges to empower farmers and local markets for a more resilient food future.
#WorldFarmersMarketsCoalition#WorldFMC#ThirdGeneralAssembly#WorldFMCGA25#FMCOUNT#FarmersMarketsCount
An inspiring evening in Rome at the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum hosted by FAO and the International Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Chefs Manifesto.
Over a three-course meal, #chefs showcased forgotten crops and regional flavours from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Some key outcomes:
🧑🍳Food is a policy issue. The ingredients we invest in shape health, climate, culture, and equity.
🧑🍳Chefs are food system influencers. Their creativity bridges policy and public engagement, translating big ideas into shared experiences around the table.
🧑🍳Investment must be inclusive and local. Elevating regional crops and traditional knowledge systems unlocks resilience and sustainability.
🧑🍳To truly transform our #FoodSystems, we need multi-sector collaboration with government, finance, and civil society all having a seat at the table.
A dinner to remember, and a powerful reminder that change starts with what we choose to grow, cook, and celebrate. 🌍🍽️
#GoodFood4All#ChefsManifesto#SDG2#SDG2AdvocacyHub | SDG2 Advocacy Hub | Chefs Manifesto
Meet Jesper Zeihlund, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Association for Local Foods in Denmark!
This interview is part of the EU4Advice Advisors’ Campaign, showcasing the voices of key actors driving sustainable innovation in European food systems.
He is a leading advocate for short food supply chains and local value creation. Jesper bridges practice and policy, connecting producers, networks, and institutions to turn strategic visions into real-world action. Through his leadership, the Association has become a national platform for collaboration and innovation, strengthening the link between farmers, consumers, and policymakers in building more sustainable and resilient food systems.
👉 Read the full interview to learn how Denmark is shaping the future of local food and community-driven value creation. https://lnkd.in/dS6uSgnR#EU4Advice#SustainableFoodSystems#LocalFood#InnovationInnogestiona Ambiental
At the Industrial Transformation & Innovation Task Force side event in Pretoria, co-hosted with Nestlé, leaders underscored the importance of B20 South Africa’s final recommendations.
Busisiwe Mavuso BCompt, FCCA, MBL, MPhil, Local Business Advisory Council Co-Chair, stressed their role in driving growth across the African continent.
Conny Sethaelo, Public Affairs Director at Nestlé, highlighted the company’s active sponsorship and leadership through their MD Nicole Roos on the Sustainable Food Systems & Agriculture Task Force.
Andrew Kirby, Task Force Chair, noted the valuable lessons from global case studies on accelerating industrialisation and technology adoption.
Read the full recommendations: https://lnkd.in/g7Nm93XE#LedFromAfrica#InclusiveGrowth
🌍 Inspiring and forward-looking insights from Dr. Karamo Sonko! His call for innovation, youth leadership, and strategic collaboration deeply aligns with the mission of #ScienceSummitUNGA80 — to bridge science, policy, and practice for sustainable impact. 👏🏽 Congratulations on the book launch and for advancing the dialogue on Africa’s role in shaping resilient, inclusive agri-food systems. #GlobalFlagshipInitiative #WorldFoodDay2025 #FoodSecurity #Sustainability #Innovation #PartnershipsForImpact