World Food Forum Youth Assembly 2026 — Partner Organizations Driving Youth Engagement

The World Food Forum Youth Assembly is a global platform that brings together young changemakers, innovators, and leaders who are passionate about transforming food systems for sustainability, equity, and resilience. Central to the success of this initiative are the international partner organizations that support, collaborate, and co-create opportunities for youth engagement, knowledge exchange, and policy advocacy.

These partners include influential multilateral institutions, civil society networks, academic institutions, and youth-focused groups working across food systems, agriculture, climate action, nutrition, technology, and governance.

1. United Nations Agencies and Global Bodies

Several United Nations agencies and global institutions play key roles in strengthening the Youth Assembly by providing strategic support, technical expertise, and global outreach.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

FAO helps drive the Forum’s agenda on sustainable agriculture, food security, and nutrition. It supports youth networks and contributes to discussions on innovation and policy in food systems.

World Food Programme (WFP)

As a leader in humanitarian food assistance, the World Food Programme brings insights on emergency response, resilience building, and youth-led solutions for hunger and nutrition challenges.

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

IFAD focuses on rural development and financing models that empower young farmers and entrepreneurs globally, contributing to inclusive food systems transformation.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP’s expertise in governance, sustainability, and development pathways helps link youth aspirations with long-term policy frameworks and community outcomes.

These global partners enhance the Youth Assembly’s impact by connecting youth dialogues with international policy agendas and sustainable development goals.

2. International Research and Knowledge Networks

Academic and research institutions amplify evidence-based approaches and youth-led innovation through knowledge exchange and capacity-building.

International Agricultural Research Centers

Global research networks contribute insights on climate-smart agriculture, food system modelling, and community resilience — equipping young leaders with tools to innovate at local and global scales.

Universities and Think Tanks

Academic partners support youth engagement through research mentorship, curriculum collaboration, and scholarly contributions to food policy debate and innovation frameworks.

These partnerships strengthen the intellectual foundation of the Youth Assembly and support the translation of ideas into research-backed solutions.

3. Civil Society & Youth Networks

Youth-focused organizations and civil society alliances play an essential role in mobilizing young people, nurturing grassroots solutions, and ensuring inclusive participation.

Global Youth Networks

Networks dedicated to youth empowerment and sustainable development connect changemakers across regions, enabling peer-to-peer learning, collaborative project development, and leadership exchange.

Food Security and Climate Advocacy Groups

Civil society partners bring community perspectives on equitable food access, climate-adapted livelihoods, and nutrition security — creating space for youth voices in sector programmes.

These organizations help bridge local realities with global ambitions, ensuring that youth participation reflects diverse contexts and priorities.

4. Private Sector and Innovation Hubs

Innovation partners and private sector collaborators contribute resources, mentorship, and platforms that help young entrepreneurs scale solutions related to:

• Agri-tech and digital farming tools
• Sustainable supply chains
• Climate smart technologies
• Nutrition and health-focused startups

By linking youth innovators with industry networks and investment pathways, these partners help turn ideas into real products and services.

5. Regional and Grassroots Partners

Regional alliances and community organizations anchor the Youth Assembly in local realities. They help:

• Bring in perspectives from underrepresented geographies
• Facilitate localized dialogues and solutions
• Support implementation of pilot projects generated during the Youth Assembly

These partners ensure that the Assembly remains rooted in community priorities and encourages scalable solutions from the ground up.

Why Partner Organizations Matter

Together, these partner organizations:

• Amplify youth voices in global food policy spaces
• Support capacity building for emerging leaders
• Link innovation with evidence and policy
• Facilitate cross-sector collaboration
• Enable real-world impact through networks and resource channels

Their collaboration helps the World Food Forum Youth Assembly evolve from dialogue to action — empowering youth to influence decisions that shape the future of food, agriculture, and sustainability.

The World Food Forum Youth Assembly 2026 thrives on strong partnerships that connect young leaders to global networks, evidence communities, and innovation ecosystems. These partner organizations not only back the programme’s mission but also help amplify the voices, ideas, and actions of youth working for a more sustainable, equitable, and food-secure world.