ONYINYECHI NWAIGBA 
Young changemakers across developing countries now have an opportunity to join a global network of emerging leaders working to transform food systems and advance sustainable development, following the opening of applications for the 2026 UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme (YLP).
The programme, led by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is designed to equip young leaders with the knowledge, leadership skills, networks, and systems-thinking approaches needed to drive meaningful change within their communities, institutions, and countries. Applications for the second cohort are currently open and will close on July 13, 2026.
The initiative comes at a time when food security, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive development remain among the most pressing global challenges. Young people are increasingly being recognized as critical stakeholders in shaping solutions that can strengthen food systems and improve livelihoods around the world.
Building the Next Generation of Food Systems Leaders
The Youth Leadership Programme was created to support young professionals who are already contributing to efforts aimed at transforming food systems through policy development, research, entrepreneurship, advocacy, innovation, and community engagement.
According to the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, the programme goes beyond conventional training by providing participants with a leadership journey that combines mentorship, peer learning, collaboration with global experts, and practical leadership development experiences. Participants become part of an international community working toward more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems.
The programme builds on the success of its inaugural cohort, whose members have contributed to policy discussions, strengthened food systems initiatives in their countries, expanded research efforts, and developed collaborations across regions and sectors.
Why Food Systems Matter
Food systems encompass every process involved in producing, processing, distributing, consuming, and disposing of food. They influence public health, economic growth, environmental sustainability, employment, and social development.
However, food systems globally face increasing pressure from climate change, population growth, resource depletion, conflicts, and economic instability. These challenges have intensified the need for innovative leadership capable of addressing interconnected issues across agriculture, nutrition, environmental management, and economic development.
The UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme seeks to prepare young leaders to navigate these complexities by promoting systems thinking and collaborative approaches to problem-solving. Rather than focusing on isolated interventions, participants are encouraged to understand how policies, institutions, markets, communities, and environmental factors interact to shape food systems outcomes.
What Participants Will Gain
Successful applicants will have access to a range of learning and networking opportunities designed to strengthen their leadership capacity and increase their impact.
Participants will gain exposure to systems thinking methodologies, leadership development tools, and practical strategies for influencing change within their organizations and communities. They will also connect with a diverse network of peers, experts, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from different regions of the world.
The programme also provides opportunities for collaboration, peer-to-peer learning, mentorship, and engagement with global food systems processes. Through these experiences, participants can expand their knowledge, strengthen professional relationships, and explore innovative approaches to addressing food systems challenges.
Beyond individual development, the programme aims to empower participants to become catalysts for change capable of influencing policy, promoting innovation, and advancing sustainable solutions within their local contexts.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to young leaders between the ages of 18 and 35 who are nationals of low- and middle-income countries, particularly across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English and possess relevant experience in food systems, sustainable development, climate action, or related fields.
Candidates are expected to have a track record of leadership or active participation in initiatives within their communities, organizations, institutions, or sectors. Organizers are seeking individuals who have demonstrated commitment to driving positive change and who are prepared to participate fully in programme activities through 2028.
The programme particularly encourages applications from young farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers, policy advocates, science communicators, Indigenous community representatives, civil society actors, and other emerging leaders working to improve food systems outcomes.
Strengthening Youth Participation in Global Development
The launch of the 2026 cohort reflects a broader international effort to ensure that young people have a meaningful voice in development processes and policy discussions.
Across many countries, young people are already leading innovative initiatives that address food insecurity, promote climate-smart agriculture, improve nutrition, and support community resilience. Yet access to global networks, mentorship opportunities, and leadership development programmes often remains limited.
The Youth Leadership Programme seeks to close this gap by creating a platform where emerging leaders can learn from one another, share experiences, and collaborate across borders. This approach recognizes that many of today’s challenges require collective action and cross-sector partnerships rather than isolated solutions.
Advancing Sustainable Development Goals
The programme also aligns with global efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to ending hunger, reducing poverty, improving health outcomes, promoting climate action, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
According to the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, the initiative focuses on developing transformational leadership capable of influencing people, processes, institutions, and markets to create long-lasting and sustainable change. The programme encourages participants to think beyond short-term interventions and work toward systemic improvements that can generate lasting impact.
By investing in young leaders today, the programme aims to strengthen the capacity of future decision-makers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and advocates who will play critical roles in shaping more sustainable food systems globally.
Application Deadline
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date of July 13, 2026. Selected participants will join a growing international network of young leaders committed to advancing food systems transformation and sustainable development.
As food security and sustainability continue to dominate global development conversations, initiatives such as the UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme provide valuable opportunities for young people to strengthen their leadership capabilities, expand their influence, and contribute to building a more resilient future for communities around the world.
Apply HERE.
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