The Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens (BKMC) is proud to announce the successful completion of the 2025 “Youth AgriChampions – make young African farmers be heard” Program. This milestone reflects months of dedication, collaboration, and powerful conversations among our inspiring young changemakers. Now in its fourth edition, the initiative brings together grassroots youth voices from smallholder farming and agricultural entrepreneurship in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Zambia – giving them a platform to share their real-world experiences in adapting to climate change.

This year’s Youth AgriChampions cohort included eighteen smallholder farmers and agri-preneurs and focused on the theme of “Youth-Powered Agroecology: Building Climate Resilience for Smallholder Farmers.” Each workshop, the cohort gathered to share their insights, setbacks, and breakthroughs, and formulate three demands that will be published in a Demand Paper in autumn 2025.

The YouthAgriChampions series kicked off on May 8, 2025, with our first workshop, where BKMC AgriChampions gathered together for the first time to connect with each other, and discuss how agroecology supports agricultural adaptation.

On May 14, 2025, the second workshop, featured an inspiring expert talk by environmental scientist Celia Del Campo Aragones, Agroecology and Food Systems Specialist at the FAO. In this workshop, the discussions centered on efficient agroecological practices and FAO’s “Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation” (TAPE). Following a Q&A session, the AgriChampions brainstormed demands based on the challenges and solutions identified last time. They drew practical case study examples with the aim of showcasing positive impacts of agroecology from their own experiences.

On May 27, 2025, the AgriChampions gathered again for the third workshop to hear from agronomist Pierre Ferrand, Agriculture Officer at FAO. Mr. Ferrand spotlighted agroecology as a holistic and sustainable solution, blending ecological science, local knowledge, and social equity. From policy guidelines in ASEAN to legislative support across Latin America and Africa, he showcased how FAO is working globally and regionally to position agroecology as a key pathway toward inclusive, resilient agrifood systems.

The breakout sessions zoomed in on the critical role of youth in scaling up agroecology and providing concrete solutions.

In a final closing ceremony, on July 10, 2025, we celebrated the Closing Ceremony of the program, the young AgriChampions gathered to share their demands and celebrate their hard work and dedication. These demands, curated by each of the AgriChampion workshop groups, will become the focal point of this year’s demand paper. For the final expert talk Oliver Oliveros, Coordinator of the Agroecology Coalition and Head of the Coalition Secretariat, shared an incredible analysis of the state of agroecological climate adaptation and urged the cohort to continue breaking barriers and unite in their innovative solutions.

The 8^th Secretary-General of the United Nations and BKMC Co-chair, Ban Ki-moon, extended his congratulations to the Youth AgriChampions, stating, “Your efforts are crucial in combatting climate change, enhancing food security, and securing a better future for your communities and the planet.” He affirms that the Ban Ki-moon Centre will continue to advocate for climate resilient agriculture and smallholder farmers and encourages our cohort to continue collaborating to address the key challenges of our time. During the Ceremony, five ‘Best Practice’ recipients were also recognized for their outstanding efforts to transform the climate adaptation landscape. As part of the release of the Demand Paper, the five best practice examples will be spotlighted on the BKMC’s channels.

The final demand paper will be debuted, in celebration of World Food Day, at the World Food Forum in Rome this October 2025. Their work in advocacy and climate adaptation will reach a global stage, drawing significant attention from international leaders and experts alike.