Call for
WFF Youth Representatives Programme
Application Deadline:
10 August 2025
About Organisation
The World Food Forum (WFF), under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, envisions a world free from hunger and malnutrition. It promotes a sustainable future by empowering youth to take charge in transforming global agrifood systems. The WFF’s Global Youth Action Initiative operates within FAO’s Office of Youth and Women and serves as a dynamic platform for youth empowerment through five key programs: Youth Assembly, Youth Innovation Lab, Youth Education, Youth Culture, and Local Youth Action.
This initiative equips young individuals with the tools, resources, knowledge, and global networks necessary to lead innovative and sustainable solutions in agrifood systems. It fosters inclusivity, drives policy influence, and mobilizes youth-led action across all levels—from grassroots to international platforms. Through structured engagement and inclusive representation, the initiative ensures that youth voices from diverse backgrounds—especially those from underrepresented and marginalized communities—are actively shaping global food systems. With a core belief in youth-led transformation, WFF champions the involvement of young leaders in policy-making, innovation, and education to create meaningful change in agriculture and food security.
About the Grant
The WFF Youth Representatives Programme is a flagship initiative aimed at amplifying youth voices in global agrifood policy-making. It fosters inclusive engagement by creating structured avenues for youth to contribute to national and global food systems dialogue. Through their participation in the WFF Youth Assembly and National Youth Chapters, selected representatives shape discussions and propose community-driven solutions to agrifood challenges.
This program provides youth with a platform to actively engage in policy advocacy and solution-building at both local and global levels. Representatives participate in virtual and in-person events, contribute to drafting youth-oriented policy recommendations, and engage with community stakeholders to translate policy into action. The program emphasizes co-leadership, innovation, and representation from marginalized sectors, including young farmers, Indigenous youth, and those from the Global South.
Taking place throughout the year and culminating at the WFF flagship event from October 10 to 17, 2025, this initiative ensures that youth from diverse backgrounds are actively shaping the future of agrifood systems. The program supports selected candidates with networking opportunities, visibility on international platforms, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to global food and agriculture governance.
Who can Apply?
Eligible applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old for the full duration of the one-year term. The program invites applications from a wide range of youth backgrounds including:
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Members of youth organizations or networks related to food, agriculture, development, or the environment;
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Stakeholder group members such as young farmers, fisherfolk, and Indigenous youth;
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Youth working in national institutions, ministries, or cabinets;
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Students in agrifood-related academic fields;
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Past or current youth delegates to international conferences;
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Individuals with a demonstrated interest in agrifood systems and sustainability.
Applicants should possess strong intercultural communication skills, a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and adaptability to international, multicultural settings. Priority is given to applicants with experience in youth constituencies, as well as those from underrepresented communities such as the Global South, Indigenous Peoples, and women.
Certain groups are ineligible to apply, including current members of the WFF Young Scientists Group (YSG) or Youth Policy Board (YPB). Academic and government-nominated delegations are also encouraged to apply. Individuals may reapply in future cohorts provided they continue to meet all eligibility criteria.
How to Apply?
The Youth Representatives Programme follows a cohort-based system with two annual calls for applications. Selected representatives serve a one-year term. To apply, complete the official application form and submit all required materials before the deadline. Applicants must demonstrate relevant experience, commitment, and eligibility criteria. The second cohort applications are now open. Participation includes both virtual and in-person engagements, culminating at the WFF flagship event in October 2025.
Application Deadline
Applications for the second cohort of the WFF Youth Representatives Programme are open now. The final deadline for submitting applications is August 10, 2025. Early applications are encouraged.
Last Date to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their applications no later than August 10, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. Selected representatives will be notified after the review process is complete.
Grant Amount
This is a non-financial grant opportunity. Selected youth representatives benefit from global exposure, capacity-building sessions, networking, and participation in high-level policy dialogues, including the WFF flagship event in October 2025.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
