Systemic inequalities and food insecurity are the most critical issues of our time, deeply rooted in historical and structural barriers that perpetuate exclusion across societies. Today, the world produces more food than ever, yet 2.8 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet and over 750 million face hunger — one out of 11 people in the world, and one out of every five in Africa. These stark inequalities continue to increase hunger, food insecurity, and ecological collapse, both within and between countries. 

In a world of parallel realities —where billions of people go hungry while millions of tons of food are wasted— transforming food systems is not optional. It demands inclusion, transparency, and accountability, with youth at the forefront. Youth today are not only the most affected by climate change, food insecurity, and economic exclusion, but they are also the torchbearers of a sustainable, resilient and just future. 

Transformation is possible, and art and creativity can spark the transformation we need. They have the power to confront injustice, shift narratives, and inspire collective action. 

As part of the UNFSS+4 Action Day, the event “YOUNG PEOPLE AS CHANGEMAKERS: How Art and Creativity are Driving Change and Sustainable Food Systems” co-organized by Italy, Ethiopia and the UN SDG Action Campaign aimed to inspire the next generation of food systems changemakers. 

Through the compelling collages of the renowned Turkish artist Uğur Gallenkuş,  the event traced the journey from acknowledgment of systemic inequalities to hopeful action, spotlighting youth as changemakers in food systems, including winners of the UN SDG Action Awards; harnessing the power of art and creativity to shift narratives and inspire bold and transformative action; and fostering an intergenerational multi-stakeholder dialogue and new forms of collaboration rooted in trust and solidarity between national governments, UN entities, changemakers, artists, civil society and grassroots organizations.