FAO Global Youth Contest 2026 – Fully Funded Trip to Rome
The FAO Global Youth Contest 2026 invites young learners and professionals to share how the FAO elearning Academy has supported their studies, careers, or practice. Three winners will receive a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy, to attend the World Food Forum 2026. Applications are open until 31 July 2026 at 23.59 CEST.
Quick Overview
Programme: Global Youth Contest: From learning to impact
Opportunity Type: Youth Contest
Host Organization: FAO elearning Academy
Organizer: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Country: Italy
Location: Rome
World Food Forum Dates: 12–15 October 2026
Deadline: 31 July 2026, 23.59 CEST
Prize: Fully funded trip to Rome for three winners
Eligibility: Young learners and professionals aged 18–35
About the FAO Global Youth Contest 2026
The FAO Global Youth Contest 2026 is a global call for young learners and professionals who have used the FAO elearning Academy.
Participants are invited to submit a short written story explaining how FAO elearning Academy learning has shaped their journey. The story should show how they have applied that learning in studies, career development, practice, or community action.
The contest aims to highlight learning journeys that lead to real impact. It also gives young learners a platform to contribute to the global agrifood dialogue.
Contest Objectives
The contest focuses on authentic stories of learning and impact.
Its objectives include:
• Highlighting stories that show how learning with the FAO elearning Academy leads to change
• Showing how young learners apply knowledge in real-life contexts
• Inspiring peers through shared experiences and lessons
• Increasing the visibility of youth voices
• Supporting awareness of FAO elearning Academy opportunities
• Showing how young learners support sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems
Also read: Young Climate Prize 2026 Climate Leadership Program for Youth
Prize and Recognition
Three winners will be selected through the contest.
The selected winners will receive:
✓ Fully funded trip to Rome
✓ Attendance at the World Food Forum from 12 to 15 October 2026
✓ Coverage of all travel and participation costs
✓ Invitation to share their stories in a video interview
✓ Feature on the FAO elearning Academy website, YouTube FAO Education Hub, and social media channels
The prize is designed to celebrate learning journeys that demonstrate strong learning-driven impact.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the official eligibility requirements.
To apply, participants must:
• Be aged 18–35 years.
• Be from any country or region, including underrepresented or vulnerable groups.
• Be a registered learner of the FAO elearning Academy.
• Demonstrate how learning has contributed to their knowledge, skills, academic development, or professional development.
• Have completed FAO elearning Academy courses and obtained certified digital badges.
Selected winners must hold a passport valid until at least April 2027.
Application Requirements
Participants must submit a short impact story.
The story should explain how learning through the FAO elearning Academy shaped their knowledge, skills, studies, career, or practice. It should also show how they applied their learning in a real context.
Applicants should support their story with verified course completion and certified digital badges obtained from the FAO elearning Academy.
The impact story must be no more than 4,000 characters.
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Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be reviewed by the FAO elearning Academy Evaluation Committee.
The official evaluation criteria include:
• Availability to participate in the global award process, including travel requirements
• Number of certified digital badges obtained
• Quality and clarity of the impact story
• Clear evidence of how learning was applied
• Verified completion of FAO elearning Academy courses
Applications from young learners belonging to underrepresented, vulnerable, or marginalized groups will be positively considered.
The use of Artificial Intelligence tools to generate responses is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate exclusion from the contest.
How to Prepare Before Applying
Before submitting an application, participants should prepare their FAO elearning Academy profile and learning evidence.
Applicants should:
• Create an account on the FAO elearning Academy platform.
• Explore available learning areas.
• Complete courses of interest.
• Earn certified digital badges.
• Prepare a short impact story of up to 4,000 characters.
The impact story should reflect how learning shaped the applicant’s knowledge, skills, and academic or professional path.
Application Process
Applicants must complete the official online application form.
The application process includes:
• Complete the online application form.
• Use the same email address as the FAO elearning Academy account.
• Provide a complete and accurate list of earned badges.
• Include the impact story of up to 4,000 characters.
• Submit the application by 31 July 2026.
Only one application per participant is allowed.
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After Submission
After applications are submitted, they will be reviewed by the FAO elearning Academy Evaluation Committee.
The official process includes:
• Applications are reviewed by the Evaluation Committee.
• Shortlisted candidates are contacted for interviews.
• Finalists are selected and informed individually.
• All applicants are notified of the outcome of their application.
The contest is conducted exclusively in English. Only stories written in English will be considered.
Application Deadline
Applications are open until 31 July 2026 at 23.59 CEST.
Applicants are encouraged by the official page to complete as many relevant FAO elearning Academy courses and earn as many certified digital badges as possible before submitting their application.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
