FAO is offering free agriculture and food security learning opportunities through the FAO eLearning Academy in 2026. Participants can earn digital badges, gain valuable skills, and compete for a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy through the Global Youth Contest.
Overview
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) eLearning Academy has launched the Global Youth Contest 2026, providing learners worldwide with an opportunity to showcase how FAO’s free online courses have contributed to their education, career development, and community impact.
The initiative encourages young people to transform learning into action by sharing real-life stories demonstrating how knowledge gained through FAO courses has helped them create positive change. Three outstanding participants will receive a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy, to attend the World Food Forum 2026.
This opportunity combines free professional learning, internationally recognized digital badges, global visibility, and the chance to connect with leaders working to build sustainable agrifood systems.
Programme Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) |
| Programme | FAO eLearning Academy Global Youth Contest 2026 |
| Location | Online |
| Prize | Fully Funded Trip to Rome, Italy |
| Number of Winners | 3 |
| Eligible Age | 18–35 Years |
| Eligible Countries | Worldwide |
| Contest Language | English |
| Application Deadline | 31 July 2026 |
| Event Dates | 12–15 October 2026 |
| Event | World Food Forum 2026 |
About the FAO eLearning Academy
The FAO eLearning Academy provides free online learning resources covering a wide range of topics related to agriculture, food security, nutrition, climate change, sustainable development, rural development, and agrifood systems.
The platform supports:
- Students
- Researchers
- Government officials
- NGO professionals
- Farmers
- Development practitioners
- Young professionals
Participants can access self-paced courses, interactive learning materials, assessments, and digital certifications designed to strengthen knowledge and practical skills.
Global Youth Contest 2026
The Global Youth Contest invites learners to share how FAO learning opportunities have influenced their personal, academic, or professional journey.
Applicants must submit a written impact story explaining:
- How FAO courses contributed to their development
- Skills acquired through learning
- Practical application of knowledge
- Positive impact created within communities, workplaces, or institutions
The contest aims to amplify youth voices and highlight real-world examples of learning-driven change.
Objectives of the Contest
The initiative seeks to:
Highlight Impact Stories
Showcase how FAO learning opportunities lead to tangible outcomes and community benefits.
Promote Learning-to-Action Approaches
Demonstrate how knowledge can be translated into practical solutions.
Inspire Other Learners
Encourage young people worldwide to engage in lifelong learning.
Increase Global Awareness
Promote opportunities available through the FAO eLearning Academy.
Support Sustainable Agrifood Systems
Recognize youth contributions toward building more resilient and sustainable food systems.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be from any country or region worldwide.
- Be registered learners of the FAO eLearning Academy.
- Demonstrate how learning has contributed to their skills, studies, career, or professional development.
- Have completed FAO eLearning Academy courses.
- Possess certified digital badges earned through FAO learning programmes.
- Hold a passport valid until at least April 2027 if selected as a winner.
Prize and Benefits
Fully Funded Trip to Rome
Three winners will receive:
- International travel support
- Participation in the World Food Forum 2026
- Access to global networking opportunities
- Exposure to international experts and policymakers
- Participation in activities held in Rome, Italy
Global Recognition
Winners will be featured through:
- Video interviews
- International visibility campaigns
- Youth leadership showcases
- FAO communication platforms
Professional Exposure
Participants gain an opportunity to share their learning journey with a global audience and become ambassadors for youth-driven innovation in agrifood systems.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
Learning Impact
Evidence of how knowledge gained was applied in practice.
Quality of Story
Clarity, authenticity, and effectiveness of the impact narrative.
Digital Badges Earned
Number and relevance of certified digital badges obtained through FAO learning programmes.
Course Completion
Verified participation and completion of FAO eLearning Academy courses.
Inclusivity Considerations
Special consideration may be given to applicants from underrepresented, marginalized, or vulnerable communities.
Important Notice
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to generate application responses is strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification.
How to Participate
Step 1
Register as a learner on the FAO eLearning Academy platform.
Step 2
Complete relevant courses and earn certified digital badges.
Step 3
Prepare an impact story describing how learning influenced your academic, professional, or community work.
Step 4
Complete the application form using the same email address linked to your learning account.
Step 5
Submit your application before the deadline.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for:
- Agriculture students
- Young farmers
- Food security professionals
- Climate advocates
- Researchers
- NGO workers
- Development practitioners
- Nutrition specialists
- Environmental professionals
- Young leaders interested in sustainable development
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Global Youth Contest demonstrates how education can drive meaningful change. Beyond learning technical knowledge, participants have the opportunity to showcase their achievements, gain international recognition, and engage with a global community committed to transforming agrifood systems.
For young professionals interested in agriculture, food security, sustainability, and international development, this is a unique opportunity to combine learning with global exposure.
Conclusion
The Free Agriculture & Food Security Courses by FAO — Global Certification 2026 initiative offers much more than online learning. Through the Global Youth Contest, participants can transform their learning experiences into international opportunities, gain recognition for their achievements, and compete for a fully funded trip to Rome to attend the World Food Forum 2026.
Young learners and professionals interested in agriculture, food systems, sustainability, and development are encouraged to participate and showcase how knowledge can create lasting impact.
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