Commentary
A clear direction, a renewed identity
How can Fondation Botnar contribute to lasting change in young people’s lives?
Urban Futures
Initiative
Through Urban Futures, young people shape more inclusive, climate-resilient urban food systems that support healthy, sustainable and affordable nutrition.
Urban Futures is a programme working at the intersection of urban food systems, climate action and opportunities for young people. Across 10 intermediary cities, it works to build inclusive, climate-resilient food systems that make healthy, sustainable and affordable food more accessible. Young people help shape priorities and decisions and access opportunities in the food sector, while local actors work together to strengthen urban food policies and practices.
- Partner
- Hivos
- Working in
- Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- Approach
- Urban food policy, youth movements and green food entrepreneurship
- Focus
- Inclusive, climate-resilient urban food systems
- Programme period
- 2023-2027
Challenge
Cities have a growing role in shaping the future of food
Cities consume a large share of the world’s food, making urban food systems important for health, livelihoods and the environment. Rapid urbanisation and climate change are increasing the pressure on these systems, while creating opportunities to rethink how food is produced, distributed and consumed. Young people have a particular stake in this transition, both as residents and consumers and as entrepreneurs, producers and participants in decisions about the future of their cities.
Across 10 intermediary cities in five countries, Urban Futures brings young people and local actors together to reshape urban food systems
Approach
Connecting food policy, youth action and entrepreneurship
Urban Futures works on four fronts. It supports young people and local authorities in shaping urban food policies through multi-stakeholder platforms and youth movements. It helps reimagine what a sustainable and climate-resilient food system looks like, shifting the stories and habits that shape how people eat. It promotes more sustainable and climate-resilient food practices, from production and distribution to consumption. And it creates opportunities for young sustainable food entrepreneurs to flourish, while increasing financial flows towards more inclusive and climate-resilient food systems.
External Resources
