Applications are open for the second cohort of the UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme (YLP), a global initiative led by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).


About the Programme

Building on its first cohort, the YLP is expanding a global network of emerging leaders working across policy, science, entrepreneurship, advocacy and community action to advance food systems transformation. It's more than a training programme: it's a leadership journey that equips participants with the skills, networks and systems approaches needed to drive meaningful change, through peer learning, mentorship, collaboration with experts and UN partners, and practical leadership development.



Why Apply

๐Ÿง  Systems thinking and leadership skills

๐ŸŒ Access to a global network of peers and experts

๐Ÿค Opportunities for collaboration and peer learning

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Practical tools to strengthen your impact and influence

๐ŸŒ Exposure to global food systems processes and partnerships



Who Can Apply

๐Ÿ”ž Aged 18 to 35

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Proficient in English

๐ŸŒ A national of a low- or middle-income country, particularly in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, or Latin America and the Caribbean

๐ŸŒฑ Experience in food systems, sustainable development, climate action or related fields

๐Ÿ™Œ Experience leading or contributing to initiatives within your community, organisation, institution or sector

๐Ÿ“… Committed to participating fully in programme activities through 2028

Applications are particularly encouraged from young farmers, entrepreneurs, policy advocates, researchers, science communicators, Indigenous and local community representatives, and civil society leaders.



The Details

๐ŸŒ Format: a global programme led by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub (supported by Germany's BMZ)

๐Ÿ‘ฅ For: young leaders aged 18 to 35 from low- or middle-income countries

๐Ÿ“… Commitment: full participation through 2028

โ„น๏ธ Participation does not constitute employment, consultancy or any contractual relationship with the Hub, FAO or the UN system


How to Apply

๐Ÿ“ Apply only through the official SurveyMonkey link. You may save and edit your responses before submitting (returning via the same link and browser/device); once you click submit, your application is final



Deadline

๐Ÿ“… 13 July 2026


Links

๐Ÿ”— Apply: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YLP2026

๐Ÿ”— Details: https://www.unfoodsystemshub.org/latest-updates/news/detail/applications-now-open-for-the-next-cohort-of-the-youth-leadership-programme/en