The World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Assembly is calling on youth-focused organizations, institutions, and networks around the world to become part of a powerful global platform shaping the future of agrifood systems. Led by the Youth Policy Board (YPB), the Youth Assembly is a year-round, open, inclusive, and structured space designed to amplify youth voices, encourage collaboration, and translate ideas into action within global food and agriculture governance.
For organizations passionate about food security, climate action, sustainability, and youth empowerment, the 2026 WFF Youth Assembly presents a unique opportunity to engage directly in policy discussions, co-create solutions, and influence intergovernmental decision-making processes at the global level.
What Is the World Food Forum Youth Assembly?
The WFF Youth Assembly brings together young people, youth-led organizations, and youth constituencies from diverse backgrounds to engage in dialogue on critical agrifood systems issues. Through consultations, policy discussions, and thematic sessions, participants collaboratively develop joint recommendations and practical solutions that can be fed into intergovernmental processes and implemented through programs and initiatives.
Unlike one-off events, the Youth Assembly operates year-round, ensuring continuity, deeper engagement, and sustained impact. Its work supports the broader mission of the World Food Forum—an initiative of FAO Youth—to transform agrifood systems so they are more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
Focus Themes for 2026
In 2026, the Youth Assembly will concentrate on eleven key themes that reflect some of the most pressing challenges facing global agrifood systems today. These themes provide entry points for organizations with specialized expertise and lived experience to contribute meaningfully:
- Biodiversity – Protecting ecosystems and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
- Bioeconomy – Advancing sustainable economic models based on biological resources.
- Climate Change – Addressing mitigation, adaptation, and resilience in food systems.
- Desertification – Combating land degradation and restoring productive landscapes.
- Forestry – Supporting sustainable forest management and livelihoods.
- Livestock – Improving sustainability, animal health, and food security.
- Nutrition – Tackling malnutrition and promoting healthy diets.
- Fisheries and Aquaculture – Strengthening aquatic food systems and livelihoods.
- Young Women’s Empowerment – Advancing gender equity and leadership in agrifood systems.
- Water Management – Promoting efficient, equitable, and sustainable water use.
Organizations may apply under one or more themes, depending on their expertise and mission.
Why Partner with the WFF Youth Assembly?
Becoming a co-organizing partner of the Youth Assembly offers far more than visibility—it provides a seat at the table where global agrifood futures are being shaped. Partner organizations work closely with the WFF Youth Assembly Secretariat and Youth Policy Board members to:
- Shape high-impact sessions and consultations by contributing technical expertise, research insights, and innovative solutions.
- Actively engage youth voices through interactive, inclusive, and participatory discussions.
- Nominate experts, speakers, and moderators to guide conversations and share best practices.
- Expand outreach and global visibility by promoting Youth Assembly activities across networks and platforms.
- Support policy integration by helping ensure youth-led recommendations reach intergovernmental agrifood decision-making spaces.
This collaboration ensures that youth perspectives are not only heard but also translated into concrete policy and programmatic action.
Who Can Apply?
The call for Youth Assembly Partner Organizations is open to organizations worldwide that meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the selected thematic areas.
- A strong track record in agrifood systems, climate action, biodiversity, development, or related fields.
- A clear commitment to youth engagement, participation, and empowerment.
- The capacity to actively collaborate with the Youth Assembly Secretariat and Youth Policy Board throughout the planning and implementation of sessions and consultations.
Both youth-led and youth-serving organizations are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Interested organizations are required to carefully review the Terms of Reference (ToR) before submitting an application. The ToR outlines roles, responsibilities, and expectations for partner organizations during the 2025–2026 Youth Assembly cycle.
Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
Selection Notification: February 2026
Applications are submitted online through the official WFF Youth Assembly platform.
A Global Network of Change Makers
The Youth Assembly already collaborates with a diverse range of partner organizations whose expertise and dedication strengthen its impact. Selected partners for the 2025–2026 cycle will join a growing global network working collectively to reshape agrifood systems in line with sustainability, equity, and resilience goals.
For organizations seeking meaningful global engagement, policy influence, and collaboration with motivated young leaders, the World Food Forum Youth Assembly offers a rare and impactful opportunity. By partnering with the Youth Assembly, organizations can help ensure that youth-driven solutions are not only developed but also embedded in global agrifood systems transformation efforts.
If your organization is ready to contribute expertise, empower youth, and influence the future of food systems worldwide, now is the time to apply.
Follow Opportunities for Youth website for more….