UN Youth Leadership Programme 2026–2028 (Fully Funded)

Are you passionate about food security, climate action, sustainable agriculture, policy advocacy, or social entrepreneurship? Applications are now open for the second cohort of the UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) 2026–2028. This prestigious global initiative is led by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), bringing together emerging young leaders from developing countries to drive food systems transformation worldwide.

Programme Overview

• Organizer: UN Food Systems Coordination Hub
• Programme Duration: 2026–2028
• Target Participants: Young leaders working in food systems and sustainable development
• Funding: Fully Funded
• Eligible Regions: Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean
• Application Deadline: 13 July 2026

Benefits of the Programme

Selected participants will receive:

• Advanced leadership and systems-thinking training
• Mentorship from international experts and UN partners
• Access to a global network of young changemakers
• Opportunities for collaboration and peer learning
• Exposure to global food systems discussions and policy processes
• Practical tools to strengthen impact, advocacy, and leadership
• Membership in an international community committed to sustainable food systems transformation

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old
• Be proficient in English
• Be nationals of low- or middle-income countries
• Demonstrate experience in food systems, agriculture, sustainable development, climate action, nutrition, or related fields
• Have leadership experience through community initiatives, organizations, research, entrepreneurship, or advocacy work
• Commit to active participation in programme activities through 2028

Preferred Candidates

The programme particularly encourages applications from:

• Young farmers
• Entrepreneurs
• Researchers and academics
• Policy advocates
• Science communicators
• Indigenous and local community representatives
• Civil society leaders
• Youth working on sustainability and climate solutions

Why Apply?

The Youth Leadership Programme is more than a training initiative. It is a long-term leadership journey designed to equip participants with the knowledge, networks, and practical skills needed to influence policies, create innovative solutions, and accelerate sustainable food systems transformation at local, national, and global levels. Alumni from the first cohort have contributed to policy reforms, research initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and cross-border collaborations in nearly 60 countries.