Are you a young learner who has used online education to create real impact in your community, studies, or career? The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is offering an exciting opportunity through the FAO eLearning Academy Global Youth Contest 2026: From Learning to Impact.
This global contest invites young people from around the world to share inspiring stories about how learning through the FAO eLearning Academy has helped them develop new skills, advance their careers, improve their studies, or create positive change in their communities. Three outstanding winners will receive a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy, to attend the prestigious World Food Forum (WFF) 2026.
About the FAO eLearning Academy Global Youth Contest
The FAO eLearning Academy provides free online courses on agriculture, food security, climate action, nutrition, sustainable development, and related topics. Through this contest, FAO aims to highlight real-life success stories that demonstrate how digital learning can be transformed into meaningful action.
Participants are invited to submit a written impact story explaining:
- How FAO eLearning Academy courses influenced their personal, academic, or professional journey.
- Skills and knowledge gained through the courses.
- How they applied their learning in real-world situations.
- The positive impact created in their communities, workplaces, or fields of study.
Benefits of the Contest
Selected winners will receive:
- A fully funded trip to Rome, Italy.
- Participation in the World Food Forum 2026.
- International recognition from FAO.
- Global networking opportunities with youth leaders and professionals.
- Enhanced academic and professional profiles.
- A platform to showcase their impact story to a worldwide audience.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the FAO eLearning Academy Global Youth Contest 2026, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be a registered learner on the FAO eLearning Academy platform.
- Have completed at least one FAO eLearning Academy course.
- Hold certified digital badges earned through the platform.
- Be able to demonstrate how the acquired knowledge was applied in practice.
Application Requirements
Applicants must prepare a compelling impact story that highlights:
- Their learning journey.
- Practical application of knowledge.
- Measurable impact achieved.
- Supporting evidence such as course completion certificates and digital badges.
The selection committee will focus on the relevance of the learning experience, evidence of impact, and the quality of the story presented.
Why You Should Apply
This contest is much more than a writing competition. It is an opportunity to demonstrate how online learning can empower young people to solve real-world challenges and contribute to sustainable development.
Whether you have used FAO courses to improve agricultural practices, support climate action, promote food security, or enhance your professional skills, this is your chance to gain global recognition and connect with changemakers from around the world.
Application Deadline
Deadline: July 31, 2026 (23:59 CEST)
How to Apply?
Interested applicants can visit the official FAO eLearning Academy Youth Contest page and submit their impact stories before the deadline.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to share your journey, inspire others, and earn a fully funded trip to Rome for the World Food Forum 2026.
FAO eLearning Academy Youth Contest Official Page
Nabeel Akhter is an international education advocate and scholarship mentor dedicated to helping students access global academic opportunities. He studied in the United States at the University of Massachusetts Amherst through the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders program funded by the U.S. Department of State.
Inspired by this journey, Nabeel now actively mentors and guides students in finding and applying for scholarships, exchange programs, and global learning opportunities, helping them navigate pathways to study and grow internationally.