FAO Achievement Awards 2026 — Global Recognition for Food & Agriculture Impact

The FAO Achievement Awards 2026 are prestigious international honours conferred by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to recognise exceptional individuals, organisations, and initiatives that have made outstanding contributions in the fields of food security, sustainable agriculture, nutrition, rural development, and related livelihoods.

These awards celebrate positive social impact, innovation, community engagement, and policy leadership that advance the FAO’s mission to achieve a food-secure world and improve lives everywhere.

About the FAO Achievement Awards

The FAO Achievement Awards were established to highlight leadership and excellence across a wide spectrum of work related to food systems and sustainable development. They honour those whose commitment — whether through advocacy, science, policy, community action, or education — contributes meaningfully to tackling challenges such as hunger, malnutrition, climate resilience, and equitable access to food and resources.

The awards aim to elevate inspiring models of action that other actors can learn from and scale.

Who Can Be Recognised?

The FAO Achievement Awards are open to:

• Individuals demonstrating exceptional leadership or innovation
• Organisations (non-profits, research institutions, grassroots groups) with proven impact
• Community champions whose work has delivered measurable improvements
• Policymakers or public officials who have advanced sustainable, inclusive policies
• Collaborative initiatives that bring together multiple partners to scale impact

These recognitions span both global and local contexts, acknowledging work that resonates across regions and communities.

Focus Areas & Themes

The awards typically celebrate achievements that contribute to:

1. Food Security & Zero Hunger

Strategies that directly reduce hunger and enhance equitable access to nutritious food.

2. Sustainable Agriculture & Climate Resilience

Innovations and practices that support environmentally sound farming and resilience to climate change.

3. Nutrition & Public Health

Interventions that improve dietary outcomes, maternal and child nutrition, and health education.

4. Rural Development & Inclusivity

Initiatives that empower rural communities, strengthen livelihoods, and reduce inequality.

5. Policy Innovation & Governance

Effective governance models and policy frameworks that promote food systems transformation.

Recognition may also highlight youth leadership, gender equity, indigenous knowledge, digital innovation, and partnerships that amplify impact.

Award Cycle & Selection Process

• Call for nominations: Announced annually, with submissions open to the public
• Evaluation: Entries are reviewed by an expert panel based on criteria such as impact, scalability, sustainability, and alignment with FAO goals
• Announcement: Finalists and awardees are typically announced in the first half of the award year
• Recognition event: Formal award ceremonies or public acknowledgements during international forums or FAO gatherings

The process aims to be inclusive, transparent, and encouraging of innovations from diverse contexts.

Why the FAO Achievement Awards Matter

The FAO Achievement Awards are significant because they:

• Amplify good practice: Sharing successful models that others can replicate
• Celebrate unsung heroes: Recognising changemakers whose efforts transform communities
• Catalyse support: Drawing attention and resources to impactful initiatives
• Build global solidarity: Reinforcing shared commitment to sustainable development goals
• Inspire action: Motivating individuals and organisations to innovate and engage

By celebrating excellence in food and agricultural domains, the awards reaffirm the importance of knowledge sharing, collective action, and evidence-based solutions.

How to Prepare a Nomination

To prepare a strong nomination, consider:

✔ Highlight Tangible Impact

Provide quantitative and qualitative evidence of change achieved — such as numbers of beneficiaries, improvements in nutrition outcomes, or environmental gains.

✔ Demonstrate Innovation

Show how your approach is unique, context-sensitive, or scalable.

✔ Share Stories & Testimonials

Include firsthand accounts from those whose lives have been transformed.

✔ Connect to Global Priorities

Show how the work aligns with broader agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals.

The FAO Achievement Awards 2026 offer powerful recognition for individuals, organisations, and initiatives that are driving meaningful change in food security, sustainable agriculture, resilience, and nutrition. Winning or being nominated brings global visibility, credibility, and greater capacity to scale impact.