Nestlé and UNESCO have launched a global initiative to support 500,000 people through skill development and sustainability projects. This program, expanding from a successful 2023 pilot in Latin America, will offer grants to young innovators tackling regenerative agriculture, climate change, and sustainable packaging challenges.
Nestlé, a multinational food and beverage company headquartered in Switzerland, has partnered with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to launch a global initiative aimed at supporting 500,000 people through skill development and sustainability programs. The initiative, which builds on a successful pilot program in Latin America, seeks to empower young social innovators to develop solutions in regenerative agriculture, climate change mitigation, and sustainable packaging.
On March 2025, Nestlé and UNESCO announced that the program will provide grants to 100 teams of young leaders, enabling them to implement projects that address environmental and economic challenges. The initiative follows a 2023 pilot program in Latin America, where 20 young innovators reached 130,000 people through community-driven projects. One such initiative, Earth-IoT: Conectando el Campo, used digital tools to improve sustainability in rural Mexico. The project led to a 50% projected increase in farmers’ income, a 40% reduction in fertilizer use, and a 30% decrease in water and energy consumption.
With the agriculture and food industry facing a skills gap, the program aims to bridge this divide by equipping young individuals with expertise in sustainable farming and food production. Many youths are losing interest in agriculture, but as the industry evolves with a focus on sustainability, new skills are becoming essential. Through this initiative, Nestlé and UNESCO hope to inspire the next generation to take an active role in addressing climate and agricultural challenges.
This initiative aligns with Nestlé’s broader commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. As one of the world’s largest food companies, Nestlé has been investing in regenerative agriculture, eco-friendly packaging, and responsible sourcing. UNESCO, known for its efforts in global education and cultural preservation, brings its expertise in capacity-building and youth empowerment to the partnership.
By expanding its reach globally, the initiative aims to make a lasting impact on communities, equipping future generations with the skills needed for a more sustainable world.
