Retracing My Roots: Southeast Asian Representation at the World Food Forum

By Jasmine Sibree, 2025 AgriFutures Australia World Food Forum Fellow.

(Photo: Laos Youth Booth)

My time at the World Food Forum was nothing short of amazing. For the first time, I witnessed genuine and meaningful representation from the “Global South” on a world stage. As a Thai-Australian, I’ve often struggled to see myself reflected in Australian politics and policy discussions. Yet, surrounded by fellow Southeast Asians speaking passionately about the future of food and agriculture, I felt a sense of belonging. Even though I found myself missing familiar meals from home (yes, there is such a thing as too much pizza and pasta), I never felt far from Thailand. The warmth and spirit of Southeast Asia were alive and well throughout the forum. 

Over the week, I met inspiring individuals from across the ASEAN region, having mingled with representatives from Thailand, Laos, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Vietnam who each brought their country’s unique story to the table. I was impressed by the caliber of Youth Booths and ideas presented across the board. The Laos Youth Booth presented UN-supported programs turning rice husk waste, one of the country’s largest environmental challenges, into eco-friendly fertiliser, showcasing regenerative agricultural solutions led by young people. The Thai Youth Booth captured Thailand’s incredible regional diversity, highlighting how local cuisines and farming practices differ from province to province all while treating passers by to delicious Thai snacks that sparked conversation.

Youth representatives from the Philippines stood out for their advocacy, calling attention to the growing challenge of diet-related diseases and the urgent need for healthier, more sustainable diets. Across every workshop, booth, and bilateral there was a palpable sense of optimism and solidarity between South East Asians. We shared a collective understanding that our region’s challenges are deeply interconnected and so are our solutions.

What struck me most was everyone’s kindness, openness, and hope for our shared future. There was widespread recognition that cross-country collaboration (including collaboration with Australia) will be key to building resilient food systems in our region. With Australia home to a large and vibrant Southeast Asian diaspora, we have both the responsibility and opportunity to be a bridge between regional perspectives and global action. Southeast Asian voices must not only be heard but valued as essential to shaping a truly inclusive and sustainable food future.

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The views and opinions expressed by Global Voices Fellows do not necessarily reflect those of the organisation or its staff.