Introduction: Win a Fully Funded Journey to Rome
For young scholars, environmental activists, and agricultural students worldwide, the United Nations FAO has launched an extraordinary opportunity. The UN FAO elearning Academy Global Youth Contest 2026 is officially open for entries, offering winners a fully funded trip to the headquarters in Rome, Italy to speak at the global ceremony. This guide outlines everything you need to secure your spot.
What Happened? UN FAO Launches Global Youth Contest 2026
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is inviting young learners (ages 15 to 35) to share their success stories. To enter, you must have completed at least one free online course at the FAO elearning Academy. Your submission should describe how the course knowledge helped you design a sustainable project, complete research, or support your local community.
Why It Matters
Fully funded international travel opportunities for students are increasingly rare. Participating in a United Nations global event provides massive international exposure, networking opportunities with global leaders, and a major boost to your CV when applying for Ivy League universities or global development careers. Best of all, the academy courses are 100% free and open to anyone.
Who Should Care?
1. Students and Graduates
Undergraduate and postgraduate students specializing in environmental studies, agriculture, economics, public policy, or social sciences can showcase their research and gain global recognition.
2. Job Seekers & Aspirants
Young professionals and activists seeking careers in international organizations, NGOs, or sustainable businesses can use this UN-backed platform to expand their professional profile.
3. Institutions
Universities and colleges should promote this to their students to encourage active engagement with international educational organizations and boost institutional rankings.
Eligibility, Dates & Resource Links
Here is a summary of the timeline, award details, and eligibility criteria for the 2026 contest:
| Feature / Detail | Contest Specifications |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Age | 15 to 35 years old (worldwide) |
| Core Requirement | Completed at least one free course on FAO Portal |
| Grand Prize | Fully funded round-trip flight to Rome, hotel, and daily allowance |
| Submission Deadline | July 31, 2026 |
| Acceptable Formats | Written essay (up to 500 words) or short video (up to 3 minutes) |
What Should You Do Next?
Here is an actionable 3-step checklist to start your application today:
1. Step 1 (Action): Go to the FAO elearning Academy portal, register for a free account, and complete any course relevant to your field (e.g. food security, sustainable development).
2. Step 2 (Action): Draft a compelling story explaining how you applied the course learnings to solve a problem or enhance your academic research papers.
3. Step 3 (Action): Upload your submission via the official submission portal before the July 31, 2026 deadline.