ONYINYECHI NWAIGBA 
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has opened applications for the 2026 FAO eLearning Academy Global Youth Contest, giving young people from around the world an opportunity to showcase how learning can drive meaningful change while competing for a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy.
The annual contest celebrates young learners who have used knowledge gained through the FAO eLearning Academy to make a positive impact in their studies, careers, workplaces, or communities. It aims to highlight inspiring stories of innovation, leadership, and commitment to building more sustainable agrifood systems.
Through this initiative, FAO seeks to encourage continuous learning among young people while recognising those who are applying their knowledge to address real-world challenges such as food security, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and rural development.
Who Can Apply?
The contest is open to young people who meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be from any country or territory.
- Be a registered learner on the FAO eLearning Academy platform.
- Have successfully completed one or more FAO eLearning Academy courses and earned certified digital badges.
- Be able to demonstrate how the knowledge acquired through the courses has contributed to personal growth, academic success, professional development, or community impact.
What Participants Need to Submit
Applicants are expected to prepare and submit a short written story describing:
- Their learning journey through the FAO eLearning Academy.
- The skills and knowledge they gained from the courses.
- How they have applied those lessons in real-life situations.
- The positive impact their learning has had on individuals, organisations, or communities.
The competition is designed to celebrate authentic stories that demonstrate the power of education in creating sustainable solutions.
Benefits for Winners
Three outstanding participants will be selected as winners and will receive:
- A fully funded trip to Rome, Italy.
- An opportunity to attend the World Food Forum 2026, one of the world’s leading events focused on transforming agrifood systems.
- International recognition from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
- A professionally produced video interview highlighting their learning journey and achievements.
- Global exposure through FAO’s digital platforms and social media channels.
- Networking opportunities with policymakers, researchers, development professionals, youth leaders, and innovators from around the world.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The FAO Global Youth Contest is more than a competition. It is an opportunity for young people to demonstrate how education can inspire innovation, strengthen communities, and contribute to achieving global sustainable development goals.
By recognising young leaders who are applying knowledge to solve pressing challenges, FAO hopes to encourage more youth participation in building resilient food systems and promoting sustainable development across the globe.
For many participants, the contest also provides a platform to gain international visibility, expand professional networks, and engage with experts shaping the future of agriculture, food security, and environmental sustainability.
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2026 FAO eLearning Academy Global Youth Contest close on 31 July 2026. Successful winners will travel to Rome to participate in the World Food Forum 2026, scheduled to take place from 12 to 15 October 2026.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the application process HERE before the deadline. Eligible participants are encouraged to prepare thoughtful and compelling stories that clearly demonstrate the impact of their learning experience.
Young people passionate about sustainable development, agriculture, food security, climate action, and community impact are encouraged to take advantage of this global opportunity and share how learning has empowered them to make a difference.
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