Young learners and professionals passionate about agriculture, food security, sustainable development, and lifelong learning now have an exciting opportunity to gain international recognition through the FAO Global Youth Contest 2026: From Learning to Impact. Organized by the FAO eLearning Academy, the global competition invites participants aged 18 to 35 to share how FAO online courses have helped transform their studies, careers, professional skills, or community impact. Three outstanding winners will receive a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy, to attend the World Food Forum 2026 from 12–15 October 2026, with all travel and participation costs covered. In addition to the international experience, winners will also be featured across FAO’s global communication platforms, providing worldwide visibility for their inspiring learning journeys.
Applications are open until 31 July 2026 (23:59 CEST), making this an excellent opportunity for young people who have completed FAO eLearning Academy courses and earned certified digital badges.
Background & Job Description
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations established the FAO eLearning Academy to provide free, high-quality online learning opportunities that strengthen knowledge and skills across agriculture, food systems, nutrition, climate resilience, sustainable development, fisheries, forestry, rural development, and many other technical fields.
To celebrate the achievements of its global learning community, FAO has launched the Global Youth Contest: From Learning to Impact. Rather than focusing solely on academic performance, the competition highlights real-life stories demonstrating how learning has been translated into meaningful action. Participants are encouraged to explain how the knowledge gained through FAO courses has improved their professional development, academic journey, workplace performance, or community initiatives.
The contest also aims to amplify youth voices in global discussions on sustainable agrifood systems while encouraging more young people to engage with lifelong learning and contribute to positive change.
The three winning participants will attend the World Food Forum 2026 in Rome, where they will engage with global leaders, policymakers, researchers, innovators, and fellow young changemakers working to transform agrifood systems worldwide.
Please note that this article is published for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) or the FAO eLearning Academy. Applicants should always consult the official FAO competition page for complete application instructions and eligibility requirements.
Tasks
Unlike a traditional internship or employment opportunity, participants are required to submit an application demonstrating how learning has translated into measurable impact.
Applicants are expected to:
- Create or maintain an active FAO eLearning Academy account.
- Complete relevant FAO online learning courses.
- Earn certified digital badges for completed courses.
- Prepare an original impact story of no more than 4,000 characters.
- Explain how FAO learning has improved their knowledge, skills, academic studies, professional development, or community activities.
- Provide an accurate list of certified digital badges earned.
- Submit the application using the same email address registered with the FAO eLearning Academy.
- Be available to participate in interviews if shortlisted.
- Participate in media activities, including a video interview, if selected as one of the winners.
Applicants should ensure that their impact story is entirely original. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to generate responses is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate disqualification.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
To be eligible for the FAO Global Youth Contest 2026, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years of age.
- Be from any country or region worldwide.
- Be registered with the FAO eLearning Academy.
- Have completed one or more FAO eLearning Academy courses.
- Have earned certified digital badges through the Academy.
- Demonstrate how FAO learning has contributed to academic, professional, or personal development.
- Hold a passport valid until at least April 2027 if selected as one of the winners.
There are no restrictions regarding academic discipline, making the contest accessible to learners from diverse educational and professional backgrounds.
Experience
Previous professional experience is not required. Instead, applicants are evaluated on the practical impact of their learning journey.
Strong applications generally demonstrate:
- Clear evidence of applying newly acquired knowledge.
- Meaningful professional, academic, or community impact.
- Strong written communication skills.
- Commitment to sustainable agrifood systems.
- Authentic personal experiences and reflections.
- Verified completion of FAO courses.
- Multiple certified digital badges.
- Motivation to contribute to positive change.
Applications from young people belonging to underrepresented, vulnerable, or marginalized groups are positively considered, reflecting FAO’s commitment to inclusive participation and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Additional Information
Three winners will receive a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy, to attend the World Food Forum 2026, with FAO covering travel and participation expenses. In addition to attending one of the world’s leading youth events on food systems and sustainable development, winners will participate in a professionally produced video interview that will be featured on the FAO eLearning Academy homepage, the FAO Education Hub on YouTube, and FAO’s official social media platforms.
Applications are reviewed by the FAO eLearning Academy Evaluation Committee using several key criteria, including the quality of the impact story, verified course completion, number of certified digital badges earned, evidence of practical application of learning, and the applicant’s availability to participate in the award process.
Before applying, candidates are encouraged to complete as many relevant FAO courses as possible and earn additional certified digital badges, as these strengthen the overall application. Because only one application is permitted per participant, applicants should carefully prepare their impact story and ensure all information is complete and accurate before submission.
For young professionals and students passionate about sustainable agriculture, food security, climate action, nutrition, and international development, the FAO Global Youth Contest 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity to gain global recognition, expand professional networks, and share inspiring stories that demonstrate how learning can create lasting impact.
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