The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through the FAO elearning Academy and the World Food Forum (WFF), has launched the Global Youth Contest: From Learning to Impact 2026, a prestigious international competition designed to showcase how young people are transforming knowledge into meaningful action.

The contest offers an exciting opportunity for young learners and professionals worldwide to share how courses completed through the FAO elearning Academy have contributed to their personal growth, academic development, professional advancement, and community impact.

Three outstanding winners will be selected to receive a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy, where they will participate in the World Food Forum 2026, one of the world’s leading platforms for youth engagement in sustainable agrifood systems.

Applications are open until 31 July 2026 (23:59 CEST).

About the FAO Global Youth Contest 2026

The Global Youth Contest seeks to celebrate inspiring stories of learning and impact from young people who have benefited from the FAO elearning Academy.

The initiative aims to demonstrate how digital learning can empower individuals to acquire valuable knowledge, develop practical skills, and create positive change within their communities and professional environments.

Participants are invited to submit a compelling written story explaining:

How the FAO elearning Academy has influenced their educational or professional journey.
The skills and knowledge gained through FAO courses.
How they have applied their learning in real-world situations.
The impact their learning has generated within their community, workplace, organization, or field of study.

Applicants must support their stories with verified course completion records and certified digital badges earned through the FAO elearning Academy.

Why You Should Apply

The FAO Global Youth Contest offers much more than recognition.

1. Win a Fully Funded Trip to Rome

Three winners will receive:

Round-trip international travel
Accommodation
Participation costs
Access to the World Food Forum 2026

The World Food Forum will take place in Rome, Italy, from 12–15 October 2026.

2. Gain International Visibility

Selected winners will be featured through:

Video interviews
FAO elearning Academy website
FAO Education Hub YouTube Channel
FAO social media platforms

This exposure can significantly strengthen participants’ professional profiles and networks.

3. Share Your Story Globally

The contest provides a platform for young people to inspire others through their experiences and achievements.

4. Join a Global Community of Changemakers

Participants become part of a worldwide movement focused on:

Sustainable agriculture
Food security
Climate resilience
Rural development
Sustainable agrifood systems

5. Showcase Your Impact

The contest recognizes individuals who have successfully translated learning into action and tangible outcomes.

Objectives of the Contest

The FAO Global Youth Contest aims to:

Highlight Stories of Impact

Showcase how FAO learning opportunities are creating meaningful change globally.

Promote Learning-to-Action Approaches

Demonstrate practical applications of knowledge acquired through FAO courses.

Encourage Peer Learning

Enable young people to learn from one another’s experiences and innovations.

Amplify Youth Voices

Increase global awareness of youth-led solutions in agriculture and food systems.

Support Sustainable Development

Recognize young leaders contributing to more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

Age Requirement

Be between 18 and 35 years old.

Registration Requirement

Be a registered learner of the FAO elearning Academy.

Learning Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate that FAO elearning Academy courses have contributed to:

Knowledge acquisition
Skills development
Academic growth
Professional advancement
Community impact

Digital Badge Requirement

Applicants must:

Complete FAO elearning Academy courses.
Obtain certified digital badges.

Travel Requirement

Selected winners must possess:

A passport valid until at least April 2027.

Eligible Countries

The contest is open globally.

Applicants can come from:

Africa
Asia
Europe
North America
South America
Oceania
Caribbean nations
Small Island Developing States

FAO specifically encourages participation from:

Underrepresented groups
Vulnerable communities
Marginalized populations

Contest Prize

Three winners will receive:

Fully Funded Participation at the World Food Forum 2026

The prize includes:

International airfare
Accommodation
Participation costs
Attendance at the World Food Forum in Rome

Global Recognition

Winners will be featured in:

Professional video interviews
FAO elearning Academy homepage
FAO Education Hub
Official FAO communication channels

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on:

1. Availability for the Award Process

Applicants must be able to participate in:

Interviews
Travel requirements
World Food Forum activities

2. Number of Digital Badges Earned

A stronger portfolio of completed courses and badges may strengthen an application.

3. Quality of the Impact Story

Reviewers will assess:

Clarity
Authenticity
Demonstrated impact
Practical application of learning

4. Course Completion Verification

Applicants must have verifiable completion records for FAO Academy courses.

5. Inclusion Considerations

Additional consideration may be given to applicants from:

Vulnerable groups
Marginalized communities
Underrepresented populations

How to Apply

Step 1: Create an FAO elearning Academy Account

If you are not already registered, create an account on the FAO elearning Academy platform.

Step 2: Complete Courses

Enroll in courses relevant to your interests and career goals.

Step 3: Earn Digital Badges

Successfully complete courses and collect certified digital badges.

Step 4: Prepare Your Impact Story

Write a compelling story (maximum 4,000 characters) describing:

Your learning journey
Skills acquired
Career or academic development
Community impact
Real-world application of knowledge

Step 5: Complete the Application Form

Submit:

Your personal information
FAO Academy account email
List of earned badges
Impact story

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

Applications must be submitted by:

31 July 2026 (23:59 CEST)

Apply Here

Important Rules

Applicants should note that:

Only one application is permitted per participant.
Applications must be submitted in English.
AI-generated responses are strictly prohibited.
False information may lead to disqualification.
Applicants must own the rights to submitted content.
Winners must participate in promotional activities and interviews.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The FAO Global Youth Contest 2026 offers a rare opportunity for young people to gain international recognition while demonstrating how education can drive meaningful impact. Whether you are a student, researcher, entrepreneur, agricultural professional, development practitioner, or community leader, this contest provides a global platform to showcase your achievements and connect with fellow changemakers working toward more sustainable agrifood systems.

Young people who have actively engaged with the FAO elearning Academy and transformed knowledge into action should strongly consider applying for this prestigious opportunity.

Application Deadline