The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has opened applications for the FAO eLearning Academy Global Youth Contest 2026, offering young people from around the world the opportunity to win a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy, to attend the World Food Forum 2026. The competition invites youth to share how learning through the FAO eLearning Academy has helped them build skills, advance their education or career, and make a positive impact in their communities. Applications close on 31 July 2026.
The contest forms part of FAO's broader efforts to empower young people with the knowledge and tools needed to transform agrifood systems and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Organizers hope to inspire more young learners to translate education into practical action by highlighting real-life success stories from around the globe.
According to FAO, applicants are required to submit a short-written story explaining how courses completed through the FAO eLearning Academy have influenced their personal, academic or professional journey. Entries should demonstrate how participants have applied the knowledge gained to address challenges or create positive change in areas such as agriculture, food security, nutrition, climate resilience, sustainable development or rural livelihoods. Supporting evidence, including verified course completion certificates and digital badges earned through the Academy, must accompany each submission.
"The Global Youth Contest invites you to share how learning with the FAO eLearning Academy has shaped your journey and enabled you to turn knowledge into action,"
FAO said in announcing the competition.
The competition is open to young people aged 18 to 35 from all countries. Three overall winners will be selected, while an additional winner will be recognized under a special Plant Health category organized in partnership with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). All four winners will receive a fully funded trip to Rome to participate in the World Food Forum, scheduled to take place from 12 to 15 October 2026.
In addition to attending the international forum, winners will have the opportunity to present their experiences before a global audience of policymakers, researchers, development partners and youth leaders. Their stories will also be featured in video interviews and promoted through the FAO eLearning Academy and IPPC communication platforms, giving participants international visibility for their work and ideas.
The FAO eLearning Academy provides free online courses covering a wide range of topics, including sustainable agriculture, climate change, food safety, fisheries, forestry, nutrition, biodiversity, animal health and rural development. The courses are designed to strengthen technical knowledge while helping learners apply evidence-based solutions to real-world challenges facing food systems worldwide.
FAO believes young people are essential drivers of innovation within agrifood systems, particularly as countries work to address climate change, food insecurity and growing pressures on natural resources. Through initiatives such as the Global Youth Contest, the organization aims to recognize young leaders who are already putting knowledge into practice and encourage others to do the same.
"Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the innovators of today,"
For African youth, the contest presents an opportunity to showcase innovative work addressing challenges such as food security, climate resilience, sustainable farming and rural development. With agriculture remaining a major source of employment across the continent, initiatives that strengthen young people's technical skills and international networks are increasingly viewed as critical to transforming food systems and creating sustainable livelihoods.
Applicants are encouraged to complete relevant FAO eLearning Academy courses before submitting their entries, as only verified course completions and certified digital badges will be considered during the evaluation process. Entries will be assessed based on the originality of the story, the practical application of knowledge gained, and the measurable impact created through the participant's work or community initiatives.
The World Food Forum, where the winners will be recognized, brings together governments, international organizations, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and youth leaders to discuss solutions for building more sustainable, inclusive and resilient agrifood systems. Participation offers young innovators a valuable opportunity to expand their professional networks, exchange ideas with global experts and contribute to international conversations on the future of food and agriculture.
As global challenges related to food production, climate change and nutrition continue to grow, FAO's Global Youth Contest underscores the importance of investing in young people's knowledge and leadership. By recognizing practical examples of learning translated into meaningful action, the initiative aims to inspire a new generation of changemakers committed to creating healthier, more sustainable food systems for communities around the world. Applications remain open until 31 July 2026.