funding: Fully Funded
source-url: https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/07/10/un-fao-elearning-academy-global-youth-contest-2026/
apply-url: https://forms.office.com/e/UaH0NEzaMu
The UN FAO Global Youth Contest 2026 is a fully funded opportunity for young learners who have completed courses on the FAO elearning Academy platform. The contest aims to recognize and reward individuals who have applied their learning to create positive change in their communities. With 3 winners to be selected, the contest offers a unique chance for young people to share their stories and gain global visibility.
Overview
The UN FAO Global Youth Contest 2026 is open to registered learners of the FAO elearning Academy who have completed courses and obtained certified digital badges. The contest requires applicants to submit a short written story on how the FAO elearning Academy has transformed their journey and how they have applied their learning in practice.
- Attend the World Food Forum (WFF) from 12 to 15 October 2026
- Participate in a video interview featured on the FAO elearning Academy website and social media channels
Eligibility
To be eligible for the contest, applicants must be aged 18-35, from any country or region, and registered learners of the FAO elearning Academy. They must also demonstrate how learning has contributed to their knowledge and skills, or academic or professional development, and have completed FAO elearning Academy courses with certified digital badges.
- 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
Funding & Benefits
- Fully funded trip to Rome to attend the World Food Forum (WFF) from 12 to 15 October 2026
- Video interview and global visibility on the FAO elearning Academy website, YouTube FAO Education Hub, and social media channels
How to Apply
To apply for the contest, applicants must complete the online application form using the same email address as their FAO elearning Academy account. They must also provide a complete and accurate list of their earned badges and include their impact story, which should be no more than 4,000 characters.
- Complete the online application form
- Use the same email address as your FAO elearning Academy account
- Provide a complete and accurate list of your earned badges
- Include your impact story (maximum 4,000 characters)
Why This Matters
The UN FAO Global Youth Contest 2026 offers a unique opportunity for young learners to share their stories and gain global visibility. With a focus on inclusive participation and leaving no one behind, the contest is particularly noteworthy for its commitment to recognizing and rewarding underrepresented, vulnerable, or marginalized groups. The selection criteria, which include the number of certified digital badges obtained and the quality of the impact story, suggest a competitive process that values both academic achievement and real-world application.
The fact that the contest is fully funded and offers a trip to Rome to attend the World Food Forum suggests that the organizers are invested in providing a meaningful and enriching experience for the winners. Overall, the contest appears to be a valuable opportunity for young learners to develop their skills, gain recognition, and contribute to the global dialogue on food security and sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for applying to the UN FAO Global Youth Contest 2026?
The deadline for applying to the contest is July 31, 2026.
What are the eligibility criteria for the contest?
To be eligible, applicants must be aged 18-35, from any country or region, and registered learners of the FAO elearning Academy with completed courses and certified digital badges.
What are the benefits of winning the contest?
The winners will receive a fully funded trip to Rome to attend the World Food Forum and participate in a video interview featured on the FAO elearning Academy website and social media channels.
How will the applications be assessed?
The applications will be assessed based on the availability to participate in the global award process, the number of certified digital badges obtained, the quality and clarity of the impact story, and the verified completion of FAO elearning Academy courses.
Can applicants from underrepresented or vulnerable groups apply?
Yes, the contest is open to applicants from all countries and regions, including underrepresented or vulnerable groups, and their applications will be positively considered in line with FAO’s commitment to inclusive participation.
What is the language requirement for the contest?
The contest application and impact story must be submitted in English, but there is no language proficiency requirement for the contest itself.