FAO Global Youth Contest 2026 Opens for Young Changemakers Worldwide
Are you passionate about sustainable agriculture, food security, and making a real difference in your community? The FAO Global Youth Contest 2026 is now accepting applications from young learners across the world. This exciting international competition gives participants the opportunity to showcase how learning has transformed their personal or professional journey—and three outstanding winners will receive a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy, to attend the World Food Forum 2026.
If you have completed courses through the FAO eLearning Academy, this could be your chance to gain global recognition while sharing your impact story with an international audience.
About the FAO Global Youth Contest 2026
The contest, themed “From Learning to Impact,” encourages young people to demonstrate how knowledge gained through the FAO eLearning Academy has helped them develop new skills, advance their education or career, or create positive change within their communities.
Rather than simply rewarding academic achievement, the competition focuses on real-life impact and the practical application of learning.
Contest Overview
Organizer: FAO eLearning Academy
Event: World Food Forum 2026
Location: Rome, Italy
Forum Dates: 12–15 October 2026
Prize: Fully funded trip to Rome
Number of Winners: 3
Eligible Age: 18–35 years
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026 (23:59 CEST)
What Winners Will Receive
The three selected winners will enjoy an exceptional international experience, including:
A fully funded trip to Rome, Italy
Participation in the World Food Forum 2026
Travel and participation expenses covered
A featured video interview on FAO platforms
Global visibility through FAO’s website and social media channels
This opportunity allows winners to connect with global leaders and become ambassadors for youth-driven change in sustainable agrifood systems.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be 18 to 35 years old
Be from any country or region
Be a registered learner on the FAO eLearning Academy
Have completed FAO online courses
Have earned certified digital badges
Demonstrate how FAO learning contributed to academic, professional, or community development
Applicants from underrepresented, vulnerable, or marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Important: Winners must possess a passport valid until at least April 2027.
How Your Application Will Be Evaluated
Applications will be assessed based on several factors, including:
Quality of Your Impact Story
Judges want to understand how your learning translated into meaningful action or positive change.
Course Completion
Verified completion of FAO eLearning Academy courses is required.
Digital Badges
The number of certified digital badges earned will strengthen your application.
Inclusivity
Applications from young people belonging to vulnerable or underrepresented communities will receive positive consideration.
How to Apply
Applying is straightforward, but preparation is important.
Step 1: Create an FAO eLearning Academy Account
Register and explore the available learning opportunities.
Step 2: Complete Relevant Courses
Finish courses that align with your interests and earn certified digital badges.
Step 3: Prepare Your Impact Story
Write a compelling story (maximum 4,000 characters) explaining:
What you learned
How it improved your skills
How you applied that knowledge in real life
The impact you created
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
When submitting your application:
Use the same email linked to your FAO account
Provide a complete list of your earned badges
Upload your impact story
Submit before the deadline
Important Rules
Applicants should note the following:
Only one application is allowed per participant.
The contest is conducted entirely in English.
Stories must be original.
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to generate responses is strictly prohibited and will lead to immediate disqualification.
FAO may verify course completion and digital badges before selecting winners.
Why You Should Participate
Beyond the opportunity to visit Rome, this contest allows young people to:
Showcase their achievements internationally
Inspire other learners around the world
Build credibility through FAO recognition
Strengthen their professional profile
Join a global movement promoting sustainable agrifood systems
For students, researchers, young professionals, and community leaders, this competition is an excellent platform to demonstrate the power of learning and leadership.
Application Deadline
Deadline: 31 July 2026 (23:59 CEST)
Interested applicants are encouraged to complete additional FAO courses and earn more digital badges before submitting their applications to strengthen their chances of selection.
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