Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2027/2028 World Food Forum Youth Policy Board. The World Food Forum (WFF) is an open and inclusive global platform established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 2021 to drive the transformation of agrifood systems through the power of youth, science and innovation, and investment. It brings together stakeholders of all ages and sectors to turn ideas into action, scale solutions and foster meaningful partnerships that accelerate progress towards the SDGs.
WFF Youth Assembly
The WFF Youth Assembly is a year-round, open and inclusive platform led by the WFF Youth Policy Board (YPB). It brings together young individuals, organizations and constituencies to co-create policy priorities, exchange knowledge and develop joint recommendations and solutions. Through regional and global thematic consultations and policy dialogues, the Youth Assembly fosters collective youth action on agrifood systems transformation, sustainability and the broader objectives of the SDGs.
WFF Youth Policy Board
The WFF Youth Policy Board (YPB) was launched in 2021 with the aim of providing a strategic youth-led vision to the policy-related activities carried out by the WFF Youth Initiative through the Youth Assembly.
The YPB is an independent group of 40 young changemakers aged 18-35 from diverse regions and backgrounds that leads the WFF Youth Initiative’s work on youth policy priorities within the agrifood systems. Through their work, the YPB members seek to provide a platform for young people to actively participate, contribute and influence policy discussions, accelerating the sustainable transformation of the agrifood systems.
Structure and duties
For the 2027–2028 term, YPB members will carry out the following responsibilities at the regional level:
- Lead and facilitate regional consultative youth processes and engagements to gather young people’s vision for the future of agrifood systems;
- Prepare the regional consultative youth process towards the 2028 FAO Regional Conferences and, where applicable, engage with regional technical commissions and bodies, in coordination with the Youth Assembly Secretariat and FAO Regional Offices;
- Convene and liaise ahead of youth consultation sessions with diverse stakeholders, including FAO Regional Offices, members of the WFF Young Scientists Group (YSG) and members of WFF National Youth Chapters;
- Synthesize regional youth voices and perspectives into regional youth recommendations to be presented at intergovernmental processes and
conferences; - Represent the YPB in relevant intergovernmental processes and conferences to advocate for the incorporation of structured youth policy inputs, where applicable; and
- Summarize outcomes and progress during the term in an outcome document.
Eligibility criteria
To be considered for the YPB, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have graduated from high school and either have completed or be enrolled in a bachelors degree programme at the time of application;
- Be between 18 and 35 years as of 30 April 2027;
- Be national of an FAO Member State;
- Demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English at C1 level (fluency in other
- FAO official languages is an advantage);
- Be available to participate in at least one weekly YPB meeting (duration of 1 hour) between 09:00 –18:00 CEST/ CET
- Have demonstrated experience, knowledge or strong engagement in agrifood systems, policy advocacy and youth empowerment;
Be able to dedicate approximately 25 hours per month to the role:
- 20 hours will be dedicated to their core area of responsibility (regional/thematic);
- 5 hours will be dedicated to the supporting area;.
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in an international, multicultural environment and possess strong intercultural communication skills;.
- Not be immediate family members (spouses, parents, children, siblings or their respective spouses) of FAO employees;
- Not be employed by FAO;
- Not be current or former members of the WFFs YSG or YPB; and
Preference is given to applicants with: - Experience within youth constituencies or organizations;
- Experience in supporting consultative youth processes;
- Backgrounds as underrepresented stakeholders, including farmers, Indigenous
- Peoples and women; and
- Understanding of international governance frameworks related to agrifood systems.
Selection process
The selection process consists of four rounds:
- Round 1: The WFF YA Secretariat will review applications and score candidates based on eligibility and experience.
- Round 2: A committee composed of youth organization representatives and, when feasible, National Youth Chapter policy focal points will further assess applications and create a shortlist. Candidates advancing to this stage will be asked to submit a CV, a letter of recommendation, and a two-minute video explaining how they would contribute to the YPB and the Youth Assembly.
- Round 3: The outgoing YPB cohort will evaluate shortlisted candidates against key criteria, including knowledge of agrifood systems, leadership skills and policy expertise.
- Round 4: Top candidates will be invited to interviews, with final selections based on interview performance and overall ranking.
Commitment
- Members are expected to dedicate approximately 25 hours per month to YPB activities, including attending meetings, contributing to policy documents, and participating in external engagements among others.
Apply Now for the World Food Forum Youth Policy Board
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the World Food Forum Youth Policy Board
