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, an exciting international competition organized by the FAO eLearning Academy of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The contest invites young learners and professionals worldwide to showcase how FAO eLearning courses have helped them develop new skills, advance their studies or careers, and create positive change in their communities.

The three winning participants will receive a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy, to attend the World Food Forum 2026, where they will have the opportunity to engage with global leaders, youth innovators, and experts working to transform agrifood systems.

Contest Overview

• Organizer: FAO eLearning Academy (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)
• Contest Name: Global Youth Contest – From Learning to Impact
• Award Country: Italy
• Event Venue: World Food Forum, Rome
• Contest Type: International Youth Competition
• Eligible Applicants: Young learners and professionals worldwide
• Number of Winners: 3
• Application Deadline: 31 July 2026 (23:59 CEST)

Prize

Three selected winners will receive:

• Fully funded trip to Rome, Italy
• Participation in the World Food Forum 2026
• International recognition from FAO
• Networking opportunities with global experts, policymakers, and youth leaders
• Exposure to international initiatives on sustainable agrifood systems

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be 18–35 years old.
• Be from any country or region.
• Be a registered learner of the FAO eLearning Academy.
• Have completed one or more FAO eLearning courses and earned verified digital badges.
• Demonstrate how the courses contributed to their academic, professional, or community development.
• Submit an original application in English.

How to Participate

Participants are required to submit a short written story explaining:

• How the FAO eLearning Academy influenced their learning journey.
• The knowledge and skills they gained.
• How they applied those skills in real-life situations.
• The positive impact created in their community, workplace, or studies.

Applicants must also provide evidence of their completed FAO courses through verified course certificates and digital badges.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Quality and originality of the impact story
• Demonstrated real-world application of learning
• Verified completion of FAO eLearning courses
• Number and relevance of earned digital badges
• Overall contribution to sustainable development and agrifood systems

Benefits of Participating

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Gain international recognition from FAO.
• Showcase their achievements on a global platform.
• Connect with youth leaders from around the world.
• Attend one of the world’s leading forums on food security and sustainable agriculture.
• Inspire others through their learning journey.
• Strengthen their academic and professional profile.

How to Apply

1. Register for a free account on the FAO eLearning Academy.
2. Complete one or more eligible online courses.
3. Earn the corresponding digital badges.
4. Write your impact story (maximum 4,000 characters).
5. Complete the official contest application form.
6. Submit your application before 31 July 2026.

Important Dates

The FAO Global Youth Contest 2026 offers an outstanding opportunity for young learners and professionals to demonstrate how education can create meaningful impact. By sharing your personal learning journey through the FAO eLearning Academy, you could earn international recognition and win a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy, to participate in the World Food Forum 2026. If you are passionate about sustainable agriculture, food systems, rural development, or community impact, this global contest is an excellent platform to showcase your achievements and connect with changemakers from around the world.