International Youth Summit in Finland: Young Minds Unite for Sustainable Diets

Over 60 countries gathered in Finland for the Eat4Changng people from 20 Latin American, African and European Youth Summit - to discuss sustainable diets and plan actions for the wellbeing of people and the planet. For five days in cold November, the serene Nuuksio National Park buzzed with the energy 18-29 year olds eager to tackle the challenges of sustainable eating. 

Summit participant Simbiat Oladoja from Nigeria studies health food innovation management in the Netherlands and considers himself a food activist. While the culinary traditions of both countries differ significantly, Oladoja noted a common thread: the need for their governments - and activists - to step up in promoting sustainable diets. "People don't know how their eating habits have an impact on the climate,” Oladoja remarked. “That is why I feel that I am an activist who can change things,” said food-loving Oladoja.

Elsa Ropponen, a volunteer in WWF Finland’s Youth Team, introduced Finnish food culture and its “evening snack” - sparking discussions about meal timing. Ropponen’s highlight of the Eat4Change Youth Summit?: the Brazilian vegan chef and his tips for seasoning vegetarian food. "I'm eager to incorporate these tips into my own cooking at home," added the environmental economics student.

Henrique Leonardo from Portugal shared mixed sentiments about his home country's approach to food sustainability. While acknowledging positive changes in young people's attitudes towards more environmentally friendly food, he expressed concern about the reluctance of older generations and political decision-makers to support the change. The Youth Summit gave him hope: "I have realised that I and other young people have much more power to influence these themes than I previously thought."

Oladoja, Leonardo, and Ropponen all agreed that the event's diverse group of participants, each with their unique perspectives, fostered a dynamic and enriching atmosphere and provided fresh insights. 

"With the knowledge I gained at the Youth Summit, I want to promote change both in the Netherlands and in my home country, Nigeria,” Oladoja described his food activist plans. “The ethical questions and challenges related to diets are not only regional, but global", he concluded.

The summit was organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Finland, the lead partner of the EU DEAR Eat4Change project, which engages citizens, particularly youth, to take an active role in society and change their diets to be more plant-based. The project coordinator described the “summit’s” mission to empower participants by helping them to understand and influence food systems. "We want to encourage them to take action on the personal and societal level.”

Watch the Eat4Change video or see the DEAR project web page to learn more about its ongoing work.