Nairobi, Kenya – 3 March 2025
A Global Platform for Food System Change
Fredrick Kioko Kilonzo, 23, has been selected as a member of the 2025 ProVeg Youth Board, joining a global team of young leaders advocating for sustainable food systems. As the founder of Naturehub Collective, Fredrick is at the forefront of integrating plant-based diets with indigenous knowledge to transform food systems within Maasai communities in Kenya. His work emphasizes the intersection of sustainability, culture, and environmental stewardship, offering a unique perspective on food-system transformation.
The 2025 ProVeg Youth Board: A Diverse Team
The ProVeg Youth Board, comprising 20 individuals aged between 15 and 29, was selected from over 500 applicants spanning the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. This diverse team will collaborate with ProVeg International to advocate for policies that transition food systems away from environmentally destructive animal farming and toward climate-friendly, plant-based nutrition.
Jasmijn de Boo, CEO of ProVeg International, expressed enthusiasm for the newly selected board members:
“It is great to see so many young people wanting to contribute to our push for food system change. These young leaders will use their voices at UN-level meetings and within their own countries to highlight policies that will help the world shift towards more sustainable food production and consumption.”
Addressing the Environmental Impact of Animal Agriculture
Animal agriculture is a major driver of deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, with its climate impact being twice that of plant-based diets. The Youth Board members will work closely with ProVeg’s UN team to support global events such as the Bonn Climate Conference in June, the World Food Forum in October, and COP30 in November, which will be held in Belém, Brazil, at the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
Fredrick’s Leadership in Sustainable Food Systems
Fredrick’s appointment to the Youth Board underscores his commitment to sustainable development. Through Naturehub Collective, he has pioneered programs that integrate plant-based nutrition with indigenous knowledge, creating a culturally responsive model for dietary transitioning in pastoral communities. Naturehub Collective also plays a crucial role in environmental conservation, focusing on sustainable natural resource management, waste reduction, and wildlife preservation. The organization safeguards the rich biodiversity of Laikipia, including elephants, zebras, giraffes, gazelles, and warthogs, ensuring the long-term balance of ecosystems.
Bringing Indigenous Knowledge to Global Food Policy
Fredrick aims to leverage his position on the Youth Board to amplify African perspectives in global food policy discussions. He believes that traditional knowledge systems hold invaluable solutions for sustainable food production and environmental conservation.
“Being part of the ProVeg Youth Board is an opportunity to showcase how indigenous wisdom can guide sustainable dietary transitions,” Fredrick said. “Food systems must be designed in harmony with nature, and I look forward to advocating for policies that reflect this balance.”
A Vision for the Future
As Fredrick joins this global team of changemakers, his vision remains clear: to bridge cultural heritage with modern sustainability solutions, ensuring food security and ecological resilience for generations to come.
ProVeg International is a food awareness organisation with the mission to replace 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040. Their vision is a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet.
