UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme 2026
The UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme 2026 is a global initiative led by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The programme is seeking the next cohort of young leaders committed to transforming food systems through systems leadership, collaboration, and innovation, with applications closing on 13 July 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme
Opportunity Type: Youth Leadership Programme
Host Organization: UN Food Systems Coordination Hub
Support: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development
Programme Focus: Food systems transformation
Deadline: 13 July 2026
Eligibility: Young applicants aged 18–35 who meet the stated criteria
Language Requirement: English proficiency
About the UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme
The UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme is designed for emerging leaders working across policy, science, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and community action. The programme aims to support young people who are helping advance food systems transformation in their countries, institutions, and communities.
The second cohort will expand the programme’s global network of young leaders. Participants become part of a community focused on more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems.
What Participants Will Gain
The programme combines leadership development, peer learning, mentorship, and collaboration with experts and UN partners. It also introduces systems approaches that can help young leaders strengthen their work in food systems transformation.
Participants will gain:
✓ Systems thinking and leadership skills
✓ Access to a global network of peers and experts
✓ Opportunities for collaboration and peer learning
✓ Practical tools to strengthen impact and influence
✓ Exposure to global food systems processes and partnerships
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the official eligibility requirements listed for the programme.
Applicants should:
• Be between 18 and 35 years old
• Be proficient in English
• Be a national of a low- or middle-income country, particularly in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, or Latin America and the Caribbean
• Demonstrate experience in food systems, sustainable development, climate action, or related fields
• Have experience leading or contributing to initiatives within their community, organization, institution, or sector
• Be committed to participating fully in programme activities through 2028
The programme particularly encourages applications from young farmers, entrepreneurs, policy advocates, researchers, science communicators, Indigenous and local community representatives, and civil society leaders.
Application Form Details
The official application form is a call for expression of interest for the UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme selection process.
Applicants are asked to provide personal, contact, background, experience, motivation, and availability information. The form also asks about the applicant’s engagement in food systems transformation and relevant leadership impact.
Applicants should also confirm that participation in the programme does not constitute employment, consultancy, or any other contractual relationship with the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, FAO, or the United Nations system.
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Required Documents and Supporting Information
The application form asks applicants to provide supporting documents and reference information.
Applicants should prepare:
• A copy of their passport
• CV and short biography
• A relevant example of their work, if available
• A referral letter
• Referee details from someone who can speak to their work or engagement in food systems transformation
The relevant example of work may include a publication, project page, campaign, video, website, article, social media page, portfolio, or another relevant material. If it is not publicly available online, the form allows applicants to upload it as an attachment.
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Programme Focus Areas
The application form states that Phase 2 will focus on several learning and leadership areas.
These areas include:
• Systems thinking
• Foresight
• Science-policy-society engagement
• Strategic communication
• Peer learning
• Youth-led action
Applicants are asked to explain which of these areas are most relevant to their work and why.
Availability Requirement
Applicants should be available to participate in the YLP training for approximately one week between November and December 2026.
The form also asks selected participants to agree to participate actively in programme activities and contribute respectfully to the peer-learning and alumni network.
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Application Process
Applicants must complete the official online expression of interest form.
The application process includes:
• Accessing the official application form through the official link
• Confirming agreement with the call for expressions of interest
• Providing contact and profile information
• Explaining experience and leadership impact in food systems transformation
• Describing motivation and fit for the programme
• Providing supporting documents and reference information
• Completing the final declaration
• Submitting the form before the deadline
Applicants may save and edit their responses before submitting if they return to the form using the same link and the same browser or device. Once submitted, the application is considered final and can no longer be edited.
Selection Notes
The application form states that submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee selection. Only shortlisted candidates may be invited to complete the next stage of the process.
Applicants should provide accurate information and complete the form carefully before submission.
Application Deadline
Applications close on 13 July 2026.
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
