UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) 2026 @Unknown

Opportunity for Young Changemakers:

Programme Title: UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme (YLP)
Organizer: UN Food Systems Coordination Hub
Supported by: Government of Germany (BMZ)

Application Deadline: 13 July 2026

Programme Overview

The United Nations Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) is a global initiative designed to empower young leaders who are driving transformation in food systems across the world. The programme brings together emerging changemakers working in policy, science, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and community development to co-create solutions for sustainable and equitable food systems.

Building on the success of its first cohort, the programme is expanding its global reach to include more young leaders from diverse regions and backgrounds. It aims to strengthen youth participation in shaping resilient food systems that address hunger, climate change, nutrition challenges, and inequality.

Programme Objectives

The YLP is designed to:

• Equip young leaders with systems-thinking and leadership skills
• Strengthen youth engagement in food systems governance and policy
• Foster innovation and collaboration across countries and sectors
• Build global networks of young changemakers working on food systems transformation
• Support community-driven and locally relevant solutions

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to young individuals who are:

• Passionate about sustainable food systems and global development
• Actively engaged in areas such as agriculture, nutrition, climate action, entrepreneurship, public policy, or community development
• Working within or supporting initiatives that contribute to food systems transformation
• Interested in leadership development and global collaboration

Applicants may come from diverse backgrounds, including academia, civil society, private sector, research institutions, startups, and grassroots organizations.

Programme Benefits

Selected participants will join a dynamic global network of young leaders and benefit from:

• Leadership development and capacity-building opportunities
• Exposure to systems-based approaches to food systems transformation
• Access to global experts, mentors, and peer learning networks
• Opportunities to collaborate on international initiatives
• Enhanced skills in policy engagement, advocacy, and innovation
• Increased visibility for youth-led food systems solutions

Impact So Far

The programme has already supported nearly 100 young leaders from over 50 countries across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean. These participants are actively contributing to national and global efforts to transform food systems through innovation, advocacy, and community engagement.

Why This Programme Matters

Global food systems are facing increasing pressure from climate change, population growth, conflict, and economic inequality. The YLP recognizes that young people are key drivers of change and must be empowered to lead solutions that ensure sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems for the future.

Call to Action

If you are a young leader passionate about creating meaningful impact in agriculture, nutrition, climate resilience, or food security, this is your opportunity to join a global movement for change.

The world needs your voice, your ideas, and your leadership.

Apply now and become part of a global network shaping the future of food systems.

Application Deadline: 13 July 2026
Take the next step toward becoming a global food systems changemaker.

Application Link