Young professionals face numerous challenges including making their voices heard and exerting influence in the field of AR4D. Lack of youth involvement in AR4D has negative implications for the sector, reducing the potential for innovation, use of new communication technologies, inclusivity and future sustainability. In response to this on 8 November 2006, during the triennial conference of the GFAR, in New Delhi, India: the Young Professional's Platform for Agricultural Research for Development (YPARD) was officially launched and it is now hosted by the GFAR Secretariat.