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Nairobi, Kenya | 11–12 August 2026
The Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN) successfully convened its First Annual Forum (GAF-I) 2026 from 11 to 12 August 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together young people, government representatives, development partners, academia, research institutions, farmers, technical experts, civil society, private-sector actors and other stakeholders from Africa and beyond.
The Forum registered 323 participants, including participants attending both in person and online. It provided a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and collaboration on youth leadership, climate-smart agriculture, resilient food systems, digital innovation, climate resilience and sustainable development.
Advancing Youth Leadership and Innovation
GAF-I 2026 recognized young people as key actors and solution developers in transforming food systems, advancing climate-smart agriculture and strengthening climate resilience. Participants called for greater investment in youth-led innovations, enterprises and leadership.
The Forum also highlighted the importance of creating enabling pathways through which youth innovations can move from ideas to practical and scalable solutions through mentorship, financing, technical skills, market linkages, internships, entrepreneurship opportunities and partnerships.
Digital Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture
Digital technologies and innovation featured prominently throughout the Forum. Participants highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence, geospatial technologies, Earth Observation, digital agricultural platforms, early-warning systems, precision agriculture and digital financial services to improve agricultural productivity, planning, decision-making and resilience.
At the same time, the Forum emphasized the importance of inclusive digital transformation, particularly for women, youth, smallholder farmers and communities with limited access to digital devices, connectivity, information and financial services.
Climate Resilience and Food Systems Transformation
Participants reaffirmed the importance of climate-smart agriculture in strengthening food security, livelihoods, environmental sustainability and resilience to climate change.
The Forum called for stronger climate adaptation measures, including climate services, early-warning systems, ecosystem protection, sustainable resource management and climate-resilient agricultural practices that are accessible to vulnerable and smallholder farmers.
From Dialogue to Action
A central message emerging from GAF-I 2026 was the need to move beyond dialogue towards practical implementation.
The Forum called upon stakeholders to develop measurable action plans, identify responsible actors, mobilize resources and establish mechanisms for tracking progress on the recommendations. Participants also committed to strengthening partnerships among governments, youth networks, educational and research institutions, farmers, development partners, the private sector and other stakeholders.
A Call for Greater Investment in Youth
The Forum called for increased investment in youth-led innovation, including access to finance, mentorship, technical skills, research, incubation, markets and appropriate technologies. It also urged stakeholders to strengthen opportunities for young people to acquire practical skills in climate-smart agriculture, artificial intelligence, digital agriculture, geospatial technologies, data analytics, soil science and other emerging areas.
GAF-I 2026 further highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for youth employment and green jobs, connecting young people to emerging opportunities across sustainable agriculture, technology, climate action and the wider green economy.
Continuing the Commitment
GCSAYN and participating stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening youth leadership, supporting youth-led solutions, promoting digital literacy, advancing climate information literacy, strengthening partnerships and creating pathways for proven innovations to be financed, scaled and translated into sustainable enterprises, livelihoods and green jobs.
The Forum concluded with a shared commitment to continued collaboration in translating the outcomes of GAF-I 2026 into practical initiatives that strengthen youth leadership, climate-smart agriculture, resilient food systems and sustainable development.
Issued following the conclusion of the GCSAYN First Annual Forum (GAF-I), Nairobi, Kenya, 12 August 2026.