FAO elearning Academy Global Youth Contest 2026 for Young Learners (Fully Funded trip to World Food Forum Rome)

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Applications are open for FAO elearning Academy Global Youth Contest 2026. A global call for young learners and professionals to share how the FAO elearning Academy supports studies, careers and practice. Three winners will be selected and awarded a fully funded trip to Rome to attend the World Food Forum 2026.

The Global Youth Contest invites you to share how learning with the FAO elearning Academy has shaped your journey and enabled you to turn knowledge into action, whether by acquiring new skills, advancing your studies, career, or creating positive change in your community.

Take part by submitting a short written story on how the FAO elearning Academy has transformed your journey and how you have applied your learning in practice. Support your story with verified course completion and certified digital badges obtained from the FAO elearning Academy.

Purpose of the contest

The contest aims to spotlight authentic and inspiring learning journeys that lead to impact, by amplifying young learners’ voices in the global agrifood dialogue.

Highlight stories of impact
- Bring forward stories that show how learning with the FAO elearning Academy leads to tangible change in people’s lives and communities.
From learning to action
- Share how you apply what you’ve learned in real-life contexts, from personal growth to community or system-level change.
Learn from each other
- Inspire peers by sharing experiences and lessons with young people from around the world.
Go global
- Increase the visibility of youth voices and expand awareness of FAO elearning Academy opportunities.
Be an agent of change
- Show how young learners are helping drive more sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems.

FAO elearning Academy Global Youth Contest Benefits

To celebrate and amplify young voices, three selected winners will receive a fully funded trip to Rome to attend the World Food Forum (12–15 October 2026), and will be invited to share their stories in a video interview featured on the FAO elearning Academy homepage and across its social media channels.

Eligibility Criteria for FAO elearning Academy Global Youth Contest

To apply, you must meet the following criteria:

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 your knowledge and skills, or academic or professional development.
Have completed FAO elearning Academy courses and obtained certified digital badges.

Note: The selected winners must hold a passport valid until at least April 2027.

Selection criteria

Your application will be assessed based on the following criteria:

Availability to participate in the global award process, including travel requirements.
Number of certified digital badges obtained.
Quality and clarity of your impact story, including clear evidence of how learning was applied.
Verified completion of FAO elearning Academy courses.
Your application as young learner belonging to underrepresented, vulnerable or marginalized group will be positively considered, in line with FAO’s commitment to inclusive participation and leaving no one behind.

How To Apply for FAO elearning Academy Global Youth Contest

Before submitting your application

Create an account on the FAO elearning Academy platform.
Explore available learning areas and complete courses of interest.
Earn certified digital badges.
Start preparing your short impact story (maximum 4 000 characters), reflecting how learning has shaped your knowledge, skills, and professional or academic path.

After submitting your application

Applications will be reviewed by the FAO elearning Academy Evaluation Committee.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Finalists will be selected and informed individually.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application.

How to fill in the application form

Complete the online application form.
Use the same email address as your FAO elearning Academy account (required for badge verification).
Provide a complete and accurate list of your earned badges.
Include your impact story (maximum 4 000 characters).
Submit your application by 31 July.

Click Here to Apply

Application Deadline: 31 July 2026 (23.59 CEST).