FAO Global Youth Contest 2026

The FAO Global Youth Contest 2026, officially called “From Learning to Impact,” is a global competition organized by the FAO eLearning Academy. The contest invites young people from around the world to explain how FAO online learning has helped them gain knowledge, develop skills, improve their academic or professional path, and apply learning in practical ways.

Participants are asked to submit a short written impact story showing how they used knowledge from FAO eLearning Academy courses in their studies, work, community, organization, or professional field. Applicants must support their story with verified FAO course completion records and certified digital badges earned through the FAO eLearning Academy.

The contest highlights youth voices and demonstrates how digital education can support better agrifood systems, sustainability, food security, and community development. Three outstanding winners will receive a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy, to participate in the World Food Forum 2026.

Winners will also gain international visibility through FAO communication channels, including video interviews and online features. This contest is ideal for young learners, students, professionals, and changemakers who have completed FAO courses and want to show how learning can create real impact.

Benefits include:

• Fully funded trip to Rome, Italy

• Participation in the World Food Forum 2026

• Coverage of travel and participation costs

• Opportunity to attend global youth and food systems events

• Video interview with FAO

• Feature on the FAO eLearning Academy website

• Visibility through the FAO Education Hub and social media platforms

• Recognition as one of three global winners

• Opportunity to share learning and impact with an international audience

• Networking with young leaders, experts, and professionals working on agrifood systems

Common requirements include:

• Completed online application form

• Same email address used for the FAO eLearning Academy account

• List of certified digital badges earned from FAO courses

• Verified course completion information

• Short impact story of maximum 4,000 characters

• Personal and contact information

• Passport details or valid passport if selected

• Proof of eligibility if requested

• Confirmation of availability to travel to Rome if selected

• Any additional verification documents requested by FAO

General eligibility includes:

• Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.

• Applicants may apply from any country or region.

• Young people from underrepresented, vulnerable, or marginalized groups are encouraged to apply.

• Applicants must be registered learners of the FAO eLearning Academy.

• Applicants must have completed FAO eLearning Academy courses.

• Applicants must have obtained certified digital badges from completed FAO courses.

• Applicants must demonstrate how FAO learning contributed to their knowledge, skills, academic development, professional growth, or community impact.

• Applicants must submit an original written story in English.

• Selected winners must have a passport valid until at least April 2027.

• Applicants must not use artificial intelligence tools to generate their contest responses.

Application steps:

1. Visit the official FAO eLearning Academy Global Youth Contest page.

2. Create an FAO eLearning Academy account if you do not already have one.

3. Explore available FAO online courses related to your interests.

4. Complete relevant courses and pass the certification requirements.

5. Earn certified digital badges from completed FAO courses.

6. Prepare your short impact story of maximum 4,000 characters.

7. Explain how FAO learning helped your studies, career, skills, or community impact.

8. Open the official contest application form.

9. Use the same email address linked to your FAO eLearning Academy account.

10. Add your list of certified digital badges.

11. Complete all required application details.