IYD 2021 spotlights youth innovations in transforming food systems

“I realized that even a small child can actually propose solutions to the pressing problems of our society, one of which is food security,” Muneer Hinay said, talking about his then 9-year-old daughter’s idea to replenish their school garden, which eventually led to them starting an initiative that educates the youth on the importance and value of food and farming. 

Celebrating the youth’s role in achieving the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations, this year’s International Youth Day focuses on transforming food systems with the theme “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovations for Human and Planetary Health.”

To highlight the youth innovations in transforming food systems in Zamboanga City, The SUGPAT Program of the Ateneo de Zamboanga City hosted the International Youth Day 2021 special episode of SUGPAT TV, an online show that premiered on its Facebook Page.

SUGPAT invited Kids Who Farm Founders,  Muneer Hinay and Raaina Hinay, and Head of Project PEEL (Protecting the Environment. Empowering the Locals.) Mary Claire Geduquio to guest the online show. 

The father-daughter tandem Muneer and Raina Hinay talked about their inspiration in founding Kids Who Farm, a Zamboanga City-based advocacy initiative that aims to inspire future farmers by educating the youth on the importance and value of food and farming. 

“In the youth lies the future of food security and I guess that’s why we are here, that’s why we are doing the work that we do because we see this as a step into that direction of molding young minds, inspiring future farmers and hopefully, build a future where part of building the life skill of a child, is learning how to grow their own food,” Kids Who Farm Co-Founder Muneer Hinay said.

Meanwhile, sharing her contribution to human and planetary health through her daily lifestyle, Head of Project PEEL, Claire Geduquio shared how she was inspired to practice a plant-based diet. 

“Environmental degradation is a result of us choosing convenience over sustainability. Some even think it’s so hassle to carry their own water bottle or cook their own food. We choose what’s convenient for us. So my motivation really is, I want to live my life for others. I’m willing to switch to a healthier lifestyle, a more sustainable lifestyle. Especially because I know it’s going to be good for myself, for my family, for others, and for the planet.” Geduquio said.

According to the United Nations, the International Youth Day theme “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”, aims to highlight that the success of such a global effort will not be achieved without the meaningful participation of young people.

Furthermore, the UN defines food systems include not only the basic elements of how we get food from farms to the table, but also all of the processes and infrastructure involved in feeding a population, and the negative externalities that can be generated during the process, such as air and ocean pollution as well as desertification. 

Watch the SUGPAT TV International Youth Day 2021 special episode here.

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