Encouraging Sustainable Agrifood Revolution, IAAS LC IPB Collaborates with WFF Indonesia and German Embassy
International Association of Student in Agricultural and Related Sciences (IAAS) Local Committee (LC) IPB University successfully held the IAAS Conversation Club Goes to External (IGTE) event at the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Office Menara Thamrin, Central Jakarta.
This event was a collaboration between IAAS LC IPB University with World Food Forum (WFF) Indonesia Chapter 2024 and the German Embassy in Jakarta. This event was also part of the celebration of World Food Day 2024 initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
With the theme ‘Sustainable Agrifood System Revolution: Green Innovation for a Brighter Tomorrow’, the event was hybridized to ensure inclusivity, allowing participants from different countries and backgrounds to join. More than 100 participants attended both online and offline.
IGTE was divided into two main sessions: material delivery and focus group discussions (FGDs) on agricultural topics. The event featured two speakers, Rajendra Aryal (FAO representative for Indonesia and Timor Leste) and Dominik Schwab (GIZ advisor from the German Embassy).
In his presentation, Rajendra explained in depth the comprehensive concept of the agrifood system, which includes the primary production of both food and non-food products. He also highlighted pressing challenges in the agrifood sector, such as climate change and the state of food and nutrition security in Indonesia.
In addition, he discussed FAO’s implementation projects in Indonesia aimed at strengthening agrifood systems, accompanied by inspiring success stories from Cilacap, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and Papua.
“Indonesia, which is rich in biodiversity, faces significant climate change impacts that threaten its ecosystems and populations,” said Dominik, a representative from GIZ.
He said, by emphasizing gender equity and inclusive agricultural practices, GIZ seeks to support sustainable development and climate resilience in Indonesia’s agrifood sector, while increasing farmers’ income and creating sustainable production systems.
After the material session, participants who attended offline continued the series of events with FGDs. In the series, participants discussed in groups and were given case studies on agricultural issues in Indonesia. They exchanged views with other participants on food-agriculture sustainability issues in Indonesia using English. The two best groups made presentations which were then given comments by the resource persons. The event was closed with an awarding session for the best participants and groups.
“IGTE 2024 was amazing, especially because of the collaboration with WFF and the topics discussed were very fun. We learned about sustainability and how youth can create better and innovative agriculture so that our world, especially Indonesia, can be a better place for everyone,” said Aditya, one of the participants of IGTE X WFF 2024.
Another participant, Helfia, also added, “IGTE is a perfect momentum to introduce issues that are currently happening among gen Z with a fun approach and extraordinary speakers. IGTE also has FGDs that can improve young people’s critical thinking on food and agriculture issues.”
IGTE X WFF 2024 is expected to raise the awareness of the younger generation about current agricultural issues, as well as provide an opportunity to exchange views with various global parties to find innovative solutions to agricultural challenges. (*/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
