Dushanbe — May 28, 2026 — A new generation of ideas and partnerships took centre stage at the GENERATION YSInvest event, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) alongside the Thirty‑fifth Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Europe. The multi‑day gathering highlighted how youth engagement, scientific innovation, and investment can converge to accelerate agrifood transformation across the region.
The youth pillar opened with a structured platform for young leaders to engage directly in high‑level policy discussions. Participants emphasized that young people are not only future beneficiaries but already active agents of change. Their priorities were formally presented at the Regional Conference for the first time, marking a significant step toward integrating youth voices into agrifood policymaking.
Momentum also grew around investment and regional cooperation. Ministers from all five Central Asian countries joined international financial institutions and private sector representatives to explore opportunities under a proposed “Breadbasket Initiative.” Discussions extended beyond wheat production to include water security, seed systems, digital technologies, and early warning systems, reflecting a broader “wheat+” approach.
Science and innovation were showcased throughout the event as accelerators of transformation. Exhibitions featured immersive storytelling, interactive installations, and practical demonstrations, from in vitro plants at the Tajik Agrarian University to biogas production technologies. Partnerships with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Türkiye highlighted collaborative pathways, while a guided tour led by Amy the robot offered innovative experiences designed to spark curiosity and exchange.
By connecting youth voices, scientific innovation, and investment dialogue, GENERATION YSInvest reinforced a shared commitment to building resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. The event demonstrated that these three pillars are not separate priorities but interconnected drivers of transformation, capable of shaping the future of food and agriculture across Europe and Central Asia.
