Marshal Papworth Nepalese Student Represents University of Reading and Nepal in Global Dialogue on Food Security at UN FAO World Food Forum
Mr. Ghanshyam Bhattarai, an MP student from Nepal at the University of Reading and recipient of the prestigious Marshal Papworth Scholarship, recently participated in the World Food Forum (WFF) Flagship Event in Rome, held from 14th to 18th October 2024. This event, hosted by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), convenes thousands of young leaders, researchers, and policymakers dedicated to transforming global agrifood systems through youth engagement, innovation, and sustainability.
Mr. Bhattarai, attending through sponsorship, actively contributed to sessions focused on youth involvement in food system governance. His participation in a dynamic fishbowl discussion on “Youth in International Food Governance: Power and Participation,” organised by Dutch UN Youth Representatives on Biodiversity and Food, underscored the importance of empowering youth with genuine decision-making authority in policy discussions. “Youth involvement should go beyond token representation; young people must have meaningful, actionable influence in shaping policies that impact their future,” he emphasised.
At a side event titled “World Food Forum National Chapters & Youth Organisations: Intercontinental Youth Dialogues on Food Security,” Mr. Bhattarai presented alongside FAO Country Representative for Nepal and Bhutan, Ken Shimizu, and Head of Local Youth Action at WFF, Victor Muiru. He joined peers from Ghana, Peru, Bhutan, and the USA to share insights on how youth leaders are driving local and national food security efforts, highlighting innovative approaches and grassroots initiatives.
Reflecting on the experience, Mr. Bhattarai stated, “Attending this flagship event was transformative. Engaging with global food security issues alongside leaders from diverse backgrounds opened new perspectives and created invaluable connections.” He noted the significant learning opportunities offered by sessions like the Youth Assembly of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) and intergenerational dialogues, which deepened his understanding of innovative approaches to sustainable agrifood systems.
As a representative of the University of Reading, he also promoted the institution, discussing its range of courses and vibrant student life with global attendees. Mr. Bhattarai’s experience underscores the power of global collaboration and youth leadership in creating sustainable and resilient food systems worldwide
