Dubai, UAE – March 25, 2025: Nestlé and UNESCO have launched a global initiative to empower 100 teams of young innovators to develop sustainable food system solutions. The program will provide grants, training, and mentorship to young people aged 18-30, focusing on areas like regenerative agriculture, climate change mitigation, and sustainable packaging.
The initiative aims to address critical challenges facing the global food system, including climate change, food security, and youth unemployment. By supporting young innovators, Nestlé and UNESCO hope to foster a more sustainable and resilient food future while creating economic opportunities for the next generation.
“A highly qualified future workforce and a more resilient supply of raw materials are essential to Nestlé’s long-term success,” said Laurent Freixe, CEO of Nestlé. “We are facing the challenge of feeding a growing population while addressing the cause and effect of climate change. These are critical challenges that require decisive actions. That’s why we are supporting young changemakers in solving them.”
Building on the success of a pilot program in Latin America, which engaged 20 young leaders and benefitted 130,000 community members, this expanded initiative aims to have a global impact. One notable project from the pilot, Earth-IoT: Conectando el Campo, demonstrated the potential for positive change. By utilizing digital tools to improve efficiency and sustainability in Mexican rural areas, the project resulted in a 50% increase in farmers’ income projections, a 40% reduction in fertilizer usage, and a 30% decrease in water and energy consumption, significantly lowering the carbon footprint throughout the agricultural cycle.
The program aligns with Nestlé’s “Nestlé needs YOUth” initiative, which has already helped ten million young people access economic opportunities. It reinforces the company’s commitment to supporting youth in developing future-ready skills and fostering the next generation of employees, agripreneurs, and food entrepreneurs.
