By Blake Jackson
Attending the 2025 World Food Forum offered Penn State graduate students Auja Bywater and Alejandra Armesto-Gomez an opportunity to experience how global collaboration drives progress toward sustainable food systems.
“While the challenges and circumstances differ across regions, we all share the desire for access to sustainable food,” said Bywater, a doctoral candidate in food science in the international agriculture and development (INTAD) dual-title program.
“We all share this planet, and we are all responsible for taking care of it. It isn’t the job of any one country or agency to drive a sustainable food future - everyone has a role to play. Networks and collaboration are vital for making meaningful and lasting change.”
The event, held Oct. 10-17 at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters in Rome, Italy, celebrated the FAO’s 80th anniversary under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.” The forum united youth leaders, scientists, investors, and policymakers to promote sustainable food systems through innovation and partnership.
Bywater joined fellow Penn State students and faculty led by Melanie Miller Foster, associate teaching professor of international agriculture and co-founder of the Global Teach Ag Network.
“Participating in the forum allowed our students to engage with global leaders and deepen their understanding of food security challenges,” said Miller Foster. Foster noted this was Penn State’s first student academic delegation to the WFF Youth Assembly.
Penn State also hosts one of only three World Food Forum Youth Food Labs globally, led by Maria Spencer, John and Patty Warehime Entrepreneur in Residence.
One session that stood out to Bywater focused on using artificial intelligence in food safety. “AI can be used for good, but it's important to have conversations on how to use it ethically,” she said.
Armesto-Gomez, a doctoral candidate in education and international agriculture, said the discussions emphasized the need for innovative, culturally grounded solutions.
“I am more intentional about my food choices, recognizing my role as an active participant in the agrifood system,” Armesto-Gomez said, inspired to foster dialogue and collaboration toward sustainable and just food systems.
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Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, Education