UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) 2026

Applications are now 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).

Building on the success of its first cohort, the Programme is expanding its global network of emerging leaders working across policy, science, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and community action to advance food systems transformation. Over the past two years, YLP participants have strengthened food systems initiatives in their countries, contributed to policy discussions, advanced research and advocacy efforts, and built collaborations that extend across regions and sectors.

The YLP is more than a training programme. It is a leadership journey that equips participants with the skills, networks, and systems approaches needed to drive meaningful change within their communities, institutions, and countries. Through peer learning, mentorship, collaboration with experts and UN partners, and practical leadership development, participants become part of a growing community working to shape more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems.

“The YLP did not only train me, but it connected me with fresh, innovative minds from across the globe.” Said Sofia Bacquerizo of Ecuador, who participated in the first cohort. She went to expand that, “the legislative reform I'm bringing to the National Assembly today is not mine alone. It contains a piece of many of the fellow leaders I have met in this Programme.”

• Table of Content
• About United Nations
• UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme (YLP)
• Aim and Benefits of UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme (YLP)
• Requirements for UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About United Nations

The English language component of the Indigenous Fellowship Programme (IFP) was established in 1997. It takes place at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland and lasts for 4 weeks, usually coinciding with the annual meeting of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP). The objective of this training programme is to enhance the knowledge of indigenous peoples on existing international human rights instruments and mechanisms, so they can use them to more effectively advocate for the rights of their communities ...... continue reading

UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme (YLP)

Aim and Benefits of UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme (YLP)

Participants will gain:

• Systems thinking and leadership skills
• Access to a global network of peers and experts
• Opportunities for collaboration and peer learning
• Practical tools to strengthen impact and influence
• Exposure to global food systems processes and partnerships

Requirements for UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) Qualification

Applicants should:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old
• Be proficient in English
• Be a national of a low- or middle-income country, particularly in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, or Latin America and the Caribbean
• Demonstrate experience in food systems, sustainable development, climate action, or related fields
• Have experience leading or contributing to initiatives within their community, organization, institution, or sector
• Be committed to participating fully in programme activities through 2028

We particularly encourage applications from young farmers, entrepreneurs, policy advocates, researchers, science communicators, Indigenous and local community representatives, and civil society leaders.

Check also:
Commonwealth Master's Scholarship to Study in UK 2027/2028
Mandela Washington Fellowship for Africans 2027 (Fully Funded to USA)

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more Information, visit United Nations Food System webpage