The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has opened applications for the World Food Forum Youth Competition 2026, providing young people from around the world with an opportunity to showcase innovative solutions addressing food security, sustainability, and agricultural development. Winners will receive a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy, where they will participate in the prestigious World Food Forum and engage with global leaders in agriculture and development.
The annual competition forms part of the FAO's broader effort to empower youth and encourage greater participation in shaping the future of global food systems. As the world faces increasing challenges related to climate change, population growth, resource scarcity, and food insecurity, young people are being recognized as essential contributors to sustainable solutions.
The World Food Forum has emerged as one of the most influential international platforms dedicated to transforming agrifood systems. By bringing together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, farmers, and youth leaders, the forum seeks to promote innovative approaches capable of improving food production, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.
According to the FAO, empowering young people is critical to achieving long-term food security and sustainable development.
“Youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the innovators and changemakers of today.”
The competition welcomes applications from students, entrepreneurs, researchers, activists, and young professionals with ideas or projects that address challenges within food systems. Participants are encouraged to explore solutions related to sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, food technology, nutrition, biodiversity conservation, and rural development.
Successful applicants will gain access to international exposure and networking opportunities that could significantly advance their careers and projects. Beyond the opportunity to travel to Rome, participants will have the chance to connect with experts, development organizations, investors, and fellow innovators from different regions of the world.
Food security remains one of the most pressing global issues of the twenty-first century. According to international development agencies, millions of people continue to experience hunger and malnutrition despite advances in agricultural technology and production. Climate-related disruptions, economic instability, and population growth continue to place additional pressure on food systems worldwide.
Experts increasingly argue that innovative solutions will be essential to addressing these challenges. Digital agriculture, precision farming, climate-smart technologies, alternative food production methods, and sustainable supply chains are among the areas receiving growing attention from researchers and policymakers.
The World Food Forum Youth Competition aims to harness the creativity and energy of young innovators working within these fields. Organizers believe that many of the most transformative ideas emerge from individuals who possess firsthand understanding of local challenges and opportunities.
“Innovation in food systems is essential for creating a future where everyone has access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food.”
In previous editions, participants have presented projects ranging from smart irrigation systems and agricultural mobile applications to sustainable farming practices and community nutrition initiatives. Many of these projects have gone on to attract funding, partnerships, and international recognition.
The competition also highlights the growing importance of agriculture as a sector for entrepreneurship and innovation. Advances in technology are creating new opportunities for young people to develop businesses focused on food production, logistics, agri-finance, renewable energy, and value-added processing.
For Africa in particular, investment in youth-led agricultural innovation is viewed as a key strategy for improving food security, generating employment, and strengthening economic resilience. With a rapidly growing population and abundant agricultural resources, the continent is increasingly positioned as an important contributor to global food production.
FAO officials emphasize that sustainable food systems require collaboration among governments, businesses, researchers, and communities. By creating a platform for young people to contribute their ideas, the organization hopes to encourage greater participation in addressing global development challenges.
The competition aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to ending hunger, promoting responsible consumption and production, combating climate change, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
As applications remain open for the 2026 edition, the World Food Forum Youth Competition offers an exciting opportunity for ambitious young people to showcase their innovations on a global stage. Through international exposure, networking opportunities, and a fully funded experience in Rome, the initiative seeks to inspire a new generation of leaders committed to building a more sustainable and food-secure future for all.