FAO Global Youth Contest 2026 (Win a Fully Funded Trip to Rome, Italy)
Applications are now open for the FAO Global Youth Contest 2026: From Learning to Impact, a global competition organized by the FAO eLearning Academy for young learners and professionals worldwide.
The contest provides an exciting opportunity for young people to showcase how learning through the FAO eLearning Academy has transformed their academic, professional, and personal journeys. Three outstanding winners will receive a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy, to attend the prestigious World Food Forum 2026 hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
Contest Summary
- Organizer: FAO eLearning Academy
- Contest Name: Global Youth Contest 2026 – From Learning to Impact
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Age Requirement: 18–35 Years
- Prize: Fully Funded Trip to Rome, Italy
- Number of Winners: 3
- Event: World Food Forum (WFF) 2026
- Forum Dates: 12–15 October 2026
- Application Deadline: 31 July 2026 (23:59 CEST)
- Application Fee: Free
About the FAO Global Youth Contest
The FAO Global Youth Contest aims to highlight inspiring stories of young people who have successfully transformed learning into meaningful action.
Applicants are invited to share how courses completed through the FAO eLearning Academy helped them:
- Develop new knowledge and skills
- Advance their education
- Improve their careers
- Strengthen professional expertise
- Create positive change in their communities
Participants must demonstrate how they applied what they learned in real-world situations and the impact their learning has generated.
Prize Benefits
Fully Funded Trip to Rome
Three winners will receive:
- Round-trip international airfare
- Accommodation in Rome
- Participation costs
- Access to the World Food Forum 2026
- Opportunity to attend global discussions on food security, agriculture, innovation, and sustainable development
The World Food Forum will take place in Rome, Italy, from 12–15 October 2026.
Global Recognition
Winning participants will also receive:
- Featured video interviews
- Recognition on the FAO eLearning Academy website
- Exposure through the FAO Education Hub YouTube Channel
- Promotion across FAO social media platforms
- International visibility among global development stakeholders and youth networks
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be from any country or region of the world.
- Be a registered learner of the FAO eLearning Academy.
- Have completed FAO eLearning Academy courses.
- Possess certified digital badges earned through the Academy.
- Demonstrate how FAO learning opportunities contributed to their academic, professional, or personal development.
- Be able to show evidence of applying their learning in practice.
Important Passport Requirement
Selected winners must possess a passport that remains valid until at least April 2027 to facilitate international travel arrangements.
What Applicants Must Submit
Applicants are required to submit a short impact story explaining:
- How the FAO eLearning Academy influenced their educational or professional journey.
- The skills and knowledge they acquired.
- How they applied the learning in real-life situations.
- The measurable impact created within their community, workplace, organization, or field of study.
Applications should be supported by:
- Verified course completion records
- Certified FAO digital badges
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Availability to participate in the award process and travel requirements.
- Number of certified digital badges obtained.
- Quality, clarity, and impact of the submitted story.
- Evidence showing how learning was successfully translated into action and results.
Why You Should Apply
This contest offers far more than a travel opportunity. Participants gain a platform to showcase their achievements, inspire other young learners, and become part of a global movement focused on:
- Food security
- Sustainable agriculture
- Climate resilience
- Rural development
- Agrifood systems transformation
- Youth leadership and innovation
Winning the contest can significantly strengthen a participant’s academic profile, professional network, and international visibility.
About the World Food Forum
The World Food Forum is a global platform hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that brings together young leaders, policymakers, researchers, innovators, and development organizations to accelerate action toward sustainable agrifood systems and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 2026 flagship event will be held at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Application Deadline
31 July 2026 (23:59 CEST)
Late applications will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to submit their entries early and ensure all supporting documentation is included.
Scholarships Expiring Soon
Conclusion
The FAO Global Youth Contest 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for young people to showcase how learning can create real-world impact. With a fully funded trip to Rome, international recognition, and the chance to attend one of the world’s leading youth forums on food and agriculture, the contest provides a powerful platform for emerging changemakers to share their stories and inspire global action.
