22 April 2025
Our Food Ambassadors shine as emerging leaders at Anthropy 2025
We had the incredible opportunity to bring six of our Young Food Ambassadors: Beth, Dev, Fayeth, Gianna, Saf, and Ryan to the 2025 Anthropy event at the Eden Project in Cornwall.
Anthropy is a unique gathering of business leaders, charities, and changemakers, all coming together to explore how we can shape a better future for the UK.
This year, our ambassadors were invited to take part in the Emerging Leaders Programme, a space created to bring young people aged 18–30 into key national conversations alongside established leaders. It aims to bridge generational gaps and ensure a diversity of voices are heard, creating space for fresh ideas and intergenerational dialogue.
Over the three days, our ambassadors attended talks, contributed to workshops, met other young leaders and connected with stakeholders from across a range of sectors. They brought their own perspectives to the table, took part in meaningful conversations, and helped ensure that young people's voices were represented in discussions about the future.
Take a look below to hear what they thought of the experience.
Saf, 20, from Portsmouth
"The Emerging Leader’s programme was incredible, it was so nice to get to meet more people and hear about what they do and their aspirations! It was also a great experience to think outside of the box on my own campaigning. I had lots of great conversations, such as with Tom Flude who is an expert in public affairs and Emma Corrigan, director of National Lottery Community Fund, who were both so lovely and inspirational.
"A session I would like to highlight is about how nature can change the NHS, which was super interesting! It focused on how nature can change your physical and mental health for the better! One thing I learned was the true impact that nature can have on physical health and how poorer communities are less likely to spend time in nature, thus contributing to lower lifespans!
"My advice to emerging leaders is to listen twice as much as you talk, really pay attention to every viewpoint and understand why they may think that way. Also, learn lots!"
Ryan, 23, from Glasgow
"Anthropy 2025 was an incredible experience. The motto on arrival about going there and not working in silos was spot on. I was particularly pleased to see a wide range of themes being explored and debated. There was a real sense of optimism in every session. The general format of having 30 mins between session allowed a period of networking after sessions and meant people could continue conversations whilst leaving to go somewhere else.
"The venue was especially scenic whilst loads of information about the Eden project and the quarry’s history. Whilst at sessions, they were at times challenging as it forced us to think outside the box and to explore issues in a different lens. I very much liked the notion of having separate sessions for emerging leaders themselves to connect and discuss openly their day to day lives and to really explore the audience we all encounter. The gathering of NGOs and young people allows the opportunity to really recognise the hope that is out there that a better Britain is possible.
"I do feel however there was a real lack of youth and younger people of the panels. There was always a mention of the amount of young emerging leaders there was there but very little representation on the panels themselves. Of course, it would be nice to try to convince more elected representatives to attended throughout the three days. I was particularly inspired by the young people from Sky Primary School who absolutely smashed a session that they hosted around what they are doing to keep Cornwall clean and how they are improving the environment around them.
"I left the session with a renewed sense of purpose that our next generations are ready and willing to fight for real climate action. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking gathering and I hope it continue to grow and that food systems are a more prominent theme throughout the days. Thank you for the experience."
Beth, 19, from Dyserth
"I was delighted to spend three days at Anthropy! It was an inspiring few days, meeting the wonderful young people on the Emerging Leaders programme and partaking in a range of crucial conversations ranging from climate change and the food system to AI and creativity. I enjoyed how positive and engaging the space was, and it was the perfect environment to consider the challenges and opportunities Britain will encounter.
"I particularly enjoyed the session on rural constituencies, as it highlighted the range of challenges faced by rural areas (like my own) across the country. It was interesting to observe how MPs of the major political parties set about dealing with issues in their communities. Next year, I would love to see the expansion of the Emerging Leaders programme to ensure the voices of a diverse range of young people are heard in key conversations.
"I would encourage any young person with an interest in making a difference to become a Emerging Leader, and to utilise the opportunity to ask questions to experts, and to connect with other future leaders."
Gianna, 19, from Leicester
"My weekend at Anthropy was one of the most inspiring experiences. I went in feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, but that quickly turned into a sense of belonging. Being around so many people- whether established leaders or those just starting out - who genuinely care about making a difference was incredibly uplifting.
"One session that really stuck with me was "Leading through Artificial Intelligence Transformation". It made me think differently about the kind of impact we can have when we use technology with purpose and empathy. I left feeling more confident, connected, and hopeful.
"If I could share one piece of advice, it’s this: be present, be curious, and never underestimate the value of your voice in the room."
Dev, 20, from Leicester
"A key highlight was moderating the 'Food for Thought' panel. In this panel, I had the privilege of leading a session focused on practical solutions for creating a healthier, more sustainable food system. We had fantastic audience engagement that brought fresh perspectives and enthusiasm for action. The beauty of Anthropy is that throughout the week we collaborated with senior leaders. For example, I shared the stage with the CEOs of One Young World and Ipsos. It was a powerful reminder of how intergenerational change works. From established leaders to emerging leaders, all five generations can come together to spark meaningful change. Across all sessions, there was a tangible energy pushing for tangible outcomes. People seemed eager to move beyond theoretical talk and focus on what can actually be done.
"I was most inspired by the grassroots momentum. For example, at the future of creative education talk by the RSA, it was great hearing about smaller community projects which highlighted the incredible innovation happening on the ground. These grassroots solutions often carry the greatest potential for widespread impact. Whether in food, climate or social justice, there was a unifying message that real change comes when we unite sectors: NGOs, businesses, policy makers, and citizens.
"Next Anthropy, I would love to see more youth voices. Young activists are shaping the future. Creating dedicated spaces for them to lead conversations would help ground all the strategic ideas in real-world urgency. I also want to see deeper community engagement: It would be valuable to see more local farmers, food producers and community organisers sharing front-line experiences and successes. And beyond panels and talks, having structured roadmaps or working sessions to turn insights into actionable commitments could be transformative."
As well as being a Food Ambassador, Dev is Chair of the Leicester Young City Council and recently won the Diana award for his food poverty activism. Dev often speaks out on holiday hunger and Free School Meals himself. He feels strongly about the influence that junk food advertising on young people.
Gianna was on Free School Meals, she studies nutrition at school, so is passionate about making sure all children both get enough food and that it is good quality. Gianna believes any remaining credit on Free School Meal cards should be rolled over accumulated, so children have more opportunity buy the more expensive, healthier options at the school canteen.
Beth is a determined young campaigner focusing on delivering the Charter goals in her home in Wales and making sure children have equal access to good diets across the UK. She is a strong believer that food poverty is an issue that a highly developed country like the UK should not have to face and wants the Government to listen to young people to bring about change.
Saf speaks out about the struggles of autistic young people with food and particularly the impact of food insecurity on children on the spectrum. Saf feels strongly about families paying too much for unhealthy food and wants healthy food to be cheaper and more accessible. They have received The Jamie Oliver Good School Food Awards 2023.
Ryan is a politically minded campaigner, acting as a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament and advocating for children in care. He is very strong speaking on the policy changes needed to protect children’s right to healthy and affordable food, and wants to make sure the good practice taking place in Scotland in relation to the monitoring of school food is adopted throughout the UK.
